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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Help escaping abusive marriage

29 replies

oceanofstorms2 · 20/10/2019 04:24

This has been going on a long time so I'll try and keep it short. I have been with my husband nearly 10 years but married only 3 we have two children 3 and 6. Almost right from the beginning there were red flags in this relationship, he has been emotionally, mentally and physically abusive. It started off with him being angry if I ever wanted to do anything without him. If I ever went out with friends he would question me non stop about where I was and what went on. To put it in Perspective He is hugely insecure and left a previous relationship with a young child so that we could be together. We were young and I regret the way we handled things then.
It would initially start with blazing rows about me seeing friends and moved on to include him questioning me daily about men in work, convinced that they were 'looking at me or fancied me' even though I have never given any other man a second glance. I was besotted with him and almost found it funny and cute that he clearly cared so much for me. It started to ruin everywhere we went he would point out people looking at me and then be cross with me, he would judge what I wore and made it clear if anything made him feel uncomfortable. He alienated my family causing rows or making it clear why we shouldn't spend time with them, he would sulk a lot and not get involved in activities. He would question me until I was in tears about past relationships. He started on and off being physical if we were arguing about me going out and I wanted to stand firm about seeing friends he would start pushing and shoving if I tried to exit a conversation or stand my ground. He punched the chair I was sat on in anger and caught my foot and ended up damaging my toenail so that it fell off. He has pushed and pulled and ripped clothes off me in anger, he's hit me round the face in an argument he's thrown things broken things and intimidated me by getting in my face and towering over me. After each incident he would be in tears and begging my forgiveness and giving all the reasons why It happened or how what I'd said had made him do it. Most of this behaviour was pre kids. After our first child he seemed to calm a little (physically anyway) and do everything he could to help me. He compliments me constantly almost too much to make me feel uncomfortable. We've had rows about our sex life about it not being enough and needed to be more frequent. I have felt under pressure to do it anywya because he would point out that he has needs and it's almost my duty to meet them. About 18 months ago I finally cracked after years of suffering this behaviour I had to go away overnight for work and he kicked off and didn't want me to go. He ended up agreeing to it providing I arrive and go straight to the hotel and have room service and not meet up with any colleagues. After this issue I sought councilling as I felt so low and unhappy. I only had a few sessions but it helped me see the situation for what it was and that I had a choice. I told him enough was enough and if he didn't change we would split. He sees a councillor about a few things... he had cancer when he was 24 and it messed him up, they also discuss his son that he doesn't see very much, but he had never mentioned our relationship. I pushed him to talk about it. I arranged couples councilling and he walked out in the 2nd session and refused to go back. I have withdrawn from him completely and have had little to no physical intimacy which greatly infuriated him. I sit here now at 3am writing this because last night i finally told him it was over and he ran at a window trying to put his head through it. Horrifically I'm trying to pull him away from hurting himself and my daughters witness it. It isn't the first time I've been terrified I threaten to call the police if he didn't leave I grabbed the kids who by this time are distraught and I try to leave but he locks the door and tells me Im overreacting and I'm scaring the children. The kids are confused and he asks them if he's scaring them and my eldest said no through floods of tears. I feel horrific but shaking with fear. I end up feeling it's safer to put the kids to bed as normal and he wants to talk. I don't want him anywhere near me and I text my dad who comes over. When my husband finds out I asked my dad over he says I should have called the police as this will not end well for my dad. My dad being ex Military comes in and comforts me and calmly approaches my husband and stays a couple of hours talking calmly about the facts that I clearly want out. Husband refuses to leave the house and I allow him to stay just as it's the only possible option right now. I go to bed only to be woken at 2am with him sobbing saying sorry and I should forgive him and how can I give up on our marriage. I tell him repeatedly I'm finished and i can't do it anymore I stick to my guns and he talks around me on and on repeating the same thing not taking no for an answer. I go downstairs and leave him in the bedroom sobbing his heart out. I'm so scared about what will happen now. I'm not going to give in I'm done but he says this is his house too and he won't leave it. How can I get him out so I can feel safe here in my own house? I need some help I feel trapped.

OP posts:
Shahlalala · 20/10/2019 04:42

If he won’t leave you need to take the children and leave, he sounds so dangerous and they must be terrified. It sounds totally unsafe for you and the children.
Is he asleep now?
Please call the police if he is putting you or the children in danger or trying to harm himself like that. Don’t stay another day to find out what happens with him.
Could you stay with your Dad?

I’m no expert and I hope someone with more experience will come along soon.

Shahlalala · 20/10/2019 04:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrsjackrussell · 20/10/2019 04:43

Hello. I think that you need to leave with your children as your husband sounds seriously unstable. Could you go and stay at your dad's for now and get him to come and get you?
I'm worried about you.

Shahlalala · 20/10/2019 04:45

I think you can change the locks in some circumstances? Hopefully someone who knows will be along soon.
I’m not sure that would help though with his extreme behaviour.

oceanofstorms2 · 20/10/2019 04:51

I'm not sure if he is asleep but I haven't heard anything from upstairs so I hope so. I just wish he could see things logically but I know he is not rational right now. Because he 'lost' his first son he is even more adamant about not losing the girls. I wanted minimal disruption to the kids hence why I wanted him to leave, am worried he may not let me leave again...
changing the locks is a good plan if I could actually get him to leave... he doesn't go to work as he works from home so potentially could be here indefinitely. I may try to ride it out until Monday and when the kids are in school I can then take action. I just pray he sees sense before then but at the moment he seems adamant that I'm not giving him the chance he deserves and keeps repeating how he will change despite me saying it makes no difference now what he does. I may also have to speak to his parents who don't know anything about this.... it's all such a mess

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mrsjackrussell · 20/10/2019 05:03

This must be terrifying for your children and affecting them so negatively.
If you were my daughter I would want you out of there away from him straight away and then think about your next move. He sounds so dangerous and now you've told him that you want him to leave things could escalate even more.
Please think about leaving as soon as you can. Call your dad.

Underyoursky · 20/10/2019 05:17

I wouldn’t change the locks without legal advice and in your case it’s probably safer for you to leave with your children as he sounds dangerous and unstable.

oceanofstorms2 · 20/10/2019 05:27

Thank you all for your advice I will try and leave with them. I'm worried what he will do and that he probably won't let me leave but I will try and see if I can do it. He can't keep us hostage. I never wanted this for my girls they are so wonderful I pray we get through this.

OP posts:
Underyoursky · 20/10/2019 05:29

You need to do it safely so I would get your dad to escort you out.

billandbenflowerpotmen1 · 20/10/2019 05:37

The most helpful thing would be for you or your Dad to call the police, you were locked into your house last night and so terrified you had to have your Dad's help.
If you don't choose to do this I think you need to get your Dad back now, if he can bring someone with him all the better. Your Dad needs to get H up and downstairs.You need to then go to your room with the children and stay there. Dad then gives him five minutes to pack a bag, you have no contact with him whatsoever, and he leaves. You then change the locks. He can argue it, he can go to the police but it will give you breathing space for a while until you work out a longer term plan

Peridot1 · 20/10/2019 05:38

Can you go and stay with your dad? Or any other family?

If so I would message your dad and ask him to come over first thing this morning to help you leave.

I would also then message his parents to come over to support him if they are the type that would be supportive.

You shouldn’t have to leave but I think that in this case it is best for you to leave to protect the children.

oceanofstorms2 · 20/10/2019 05:55

My dad is right in the middle of moving house. My mum and stepdad live nearby and have a spare room so worst case they would have us a couple of nights but it isn't a very good long term solution. He needs to go and I pay when morning comes that he will see that... but if he does not, I will have to take some action.

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8BumbleBee8 · 20/10/2019 06:03

How do you know he has cancer?
Did he tell you or show you on paper?
Cancer does not mess people up like that mentally.
I asked because these cluster B personality disorders are notorious for claiming they have illnesses, disabilities or suicidal in their attempts to make you feel sorry for them and keep you near.

avocadoincident · 20/10/2019 06:09

Do the children have any activities today like swimming or sports or a birthday party to go to? Any excuse to get out?

billandbenflowerpotmen1 · 20/10/2019 06:10

Op please don't assume he'll go without a fight
Could you not be proactive and get your Dad around to prevent any scene? I understand he's busy but would bet he'd rather help than think of his daughter in this situation
I don't think you should leave, particularly with the children and nowhere to realistically go to.
My thinking is H will get up, start weeping and wailing, the children will get upset, you'll crumble and allow him to stay for today. Rinse and repeat

8BumbleBee8 · 20/10/2019 06:12

I don't think you should do what 37billandbenflowerpotmen1 suggested.
Your husband has a personality disorder, that is his cancer. At this point these individuals are extremely violent in the mind. They are capable of murder, they go psychosis. We are not talking about a regular guy who is just having a bad day. Do not risk your dad getting hurt but yes call the police. Is it your house or his house?

oceanofstorms2 · 20/10/2019 06:41

We are joint owners of the house.
He had cancer just over 10 years ago which was dealt with and I've seen all the medical paperwork and you can tell (without going into too much detail)
His councillor says he has PTSD from not dealing with the cancer at the time, processing it mentally I mean rather that he brushed it under the carpet and coupled with his split from his first partner and losing/missing out on his first born that this is why he has these issues. But it's been 10 years and whilst I am sympathetic to all these reasons (hence prob why I've put up with and made excuses for his behaviour) I can't continue down this path, I can't live in fear. I have emailed a solicitor overnight and this morning I will judge where he is at in terms of me asking him to leave and I guess will enlist some help to get him removed

OP posts:
oceanofstorms2 · 20/10/2019 06:48

And no activities planned today for the kids but they will no doubt want to go out I suspect he will insist we all go though. I don't want another Scene in front of them I can't rely that he won't say things they shouldn't hear especially after yesterday

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Karwomannghia · 20/10/2019 06:58

In your posts you’re still putting him first, hoping he sees sense, hoping he’ll accept it and feel better. You need to prioritise yourself and your kids now and not worry about his feelings. He doesn’t give a shit about yours. He sees you as a possession. He’s hurt you and has potential to cause serious harm.
Thankfully you have seen a way out. Don’t let go of that. But you must go. He is not well mentally and capable of extreme violence. He’s not a nice man, you need to hate him for what he’s done. Leave the house and go to your mum’s. Tell the police. Get away from this dangerous man before he convinces you to stay or worse put you in a position where you can’t leave because you’ve been hurt too much.

Karwomannghia · 20/10/2019 06:59

Don’t let him insist anything anymore. Break free.

Sweetpeach3 · 20/10/2019 07:19

Feel like Iv just read my previous post !
*RING THE POLICE !!!!!!!!!
He will be charged and no doubt put on bail and the conditions will be he cannot return to the family home due to safety of you and the girls until he has a trail! *
I know this as my ex has just been done for controlling and cohersing and domestic abuse towards me. He is on bail and as my house is near to his. He isn't even allowed back at his house until he is charged. So yea you'll manage it this way. Do a statement and tell them every single little detail and evidence if you have it! Please just ring them now not even 999 ring 101 like I did. They just come out and take it from their or just get in the car and go your local station
You have to remember you don't want your girls growing up thinking the way your being treated and his behaviour is okay, you should of let him smash his head through your window, hopefully of done some damage and got the crazed loon sectioned away from you an the girls !! Please
RING THE POLICE!!!
You've the right to Claire's law to see if it's happened before, a non male-station order , injunctions, safety measures to be put up onto your house, you'll be put onto a database of bronze silver and gold - im a gold atm an that means if I ring 999 someone is dispatched straight away before I speak to an operator with lights and sirons incase my call cuts off and I don't make it through- I'm in danager I need them right now basically !!
Women's aid and domestic abuse support are fantastic. They have groups and things to help you through. I start mine on the 4th November, funnily enough it's the day he gets his sentencing so it's all the start of a new beginning !! The police were great with me. I'd rang a few times and shit out and I wish I did it sooner. Iv 2 toddlers and I'm pregnant again and managed it. Please do it op. You'll be fine and you've got your amazing dad by the sounds of it ! Thanks

oceanofstorms2 · 20/10/2019 07:32

Thank you I will ring 101 today. I can't give him the benefit of the doubt anymore. I got my girls to think of as well as myself

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Sweetpeach3 · 20/10/2019 07:39

Please keep us updated !! I'm here if you need any help or support as I'm going through this myself, happened last Wednesday he threw a bottle at me on the way to see my midwife. It was so minor but I thought you can fuck right of now your guna pay for everything you've ever done to me. I got out of his car an that was that!!
Police have taken 2 phones of mine he's broken. Screen shots of him sending me of my phone bill and askin who the numbers are and why am I ringing them. Screen shots of him sending me my locations asking were I am as I shouldnt be their (some reason I was at school and the map placed me in the middle of the school field - he clearly thought I'm that daring an was dogging at 5 months pregnant in middle of the school field haha) all pictures of my broken noses and toes an broozes, finger prints around my neck, bank statements from him taking my money from me and even texts were he says I deserved a slap for not cleaning the floor properly!!! I was snide and kept a lot of evidence on the build up to things but for all he's made me pay for. I've screwed him over and iv won finally! He's going to get what he deserves!! You'll do it xxx

mrsjackrussell · 20/10/2019 17:41

How are you doing? Just checking in.

oceanofstorms2 · 20/10/2019 22:19

Hey thank you everyone it has been an exhausting 24 hours with little sleep and a lot of tears but am finally at a place where I can say I feel safe and my kids are too. h knows he has done wrong and is of course remorseful but I have stayed strong and I am not taking him back. His parents are now involved and responsibility for his mental state is now with them. I already feel so much lighter and relieved and no matter what happens I will ensure both myself and my girls move on from this. I want to thank all of you for your help. Smile

OP posts:
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