Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Relationships

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

Is this abuse?

175 replies

Stimpy168 · 02/04/2020 08:47

Hi
Not sure what to do right now. Got a lot of issues and might read like war and peace.
So daughter was born by c-section (now 16 months). Hubby barely came into hospital after the birth, only with his parents. Soo struggled in hospital with picking up baby while alone while listening to all the other dads helping.

First night home and little one screaming and my boobs, wound and swollen ankles were agony. He’s shouting at me from bed to shut her up. Really nasty comments over and over. Crying we went to the sofa downstairs. Next morning he was sarcastic saying look at you family of 2 as if he wasn’t included. My parents came over and he was like a doting dad. Baby and me still struggling her unable to feed (turned out to be a tongue tie) and me in agony.

Because of the tongue tie I combination fed expressed and formula. Multiple times I had to walk and push pram to the shops days / weeks after surgery to ensure I had milk, medicines and other things I needed for daughter. My feet and ankles so swollen it hurt to put them on the floor. I have always kept my daughter quiet so we don’t get a repeat of her first night at home. This has ended up in co-sleeping and responding to everything very quickly. Hubby’s other two kids have come to live with us so I’ve tried to ensure she doesn’t wake them also.
This has led to a very strong bond between my daughter and I, so much so she ends up in the shower with me as she cries if I’m not about for more than a few seconds. So much so Hubby says I’m obsessed with her.

I got made redundant while on maternity leave. I carried on paying half mortgage and bills till my money ran out. Because the other kids are here now we decided I should stay at home. I asked about money and Hubby said.... he earns it 😢. After arguing he said if I need anything I can have it but I dared not ask for anything. Luckily I get the family allowance and buy my daughters clothes etc from that. I sometimes take 10-20 from the joint account to pay for baby clubs but I get questioned about it.

I do all the housework which has increased loads as his other 2 kids are total slobs. They actively make more mess knowing I have to clean it up. I do all the cooking and no one will help with daughter when cooking evening meals so she’s is usually screaming and I’m trying to look after her and cook. The older kids ignore my pleas to play with their sister while I sort dinner for everyone. I’ve tried for years with the kids but their mum has made them hate me.

I’ve asked husband to help with house etc and he says he now brings in all the money so he’s not doing any house work.

I’ve never to had any help at night with my daughter who still doesn’t sleep through. If I nap when she does and husband knows or at weekends etc. He makes nasty comments about me sleeping all the time and I’m lazy.

If I’m ill I get no sympathy. I had a bad chest infection for 2 weeks and was dead on my feet yet I got no help with cooking or housework. But it was still expected. Luckily I got online food shops but if I spend too much on food I get moaned at and apparently the food bill shouldn’t have gone up much when his other kids moved in

If I try to discuss any of this it gets twisted. Apparently the issues I have with his kids are my fault he sees no problems them treating me like poo. And have I ever thought how he feels, I’m selfish and like the boys mum ( narcissist whose just horrible).

Lock down has lead to more arguments. I tried to leave with my daughter yesterday to my parents caravan by the sea but the site is locked up. I can’t go to my parents because my mum is vulnerable. I’m living on the sofa bed in my daughters room, still cooking and cleaning for everyone but we’re not talking.

Am I being unreasonable as he says. Am I selfish? Is it me like he says?

OP posts:
Stimpy168 · 04/04/2020 19:10

Still here as trying to sort something. Don’t feel so unsafe right now. Putting little one to bed and will hunker down in her room/ start packing things again.

He’s been trying to help again but know he’ll be horrid when realises it’s not going to work. Seeing him play with my daughter makes me feel guilty taking her away.

OP posts:
billy1966 · 04/04/2020 19:25

OP, if he attempts to get nasty, pls ring the police. I realise that its not your preferred action, but your safety is paramount.

He is a very ugly nasty man.
Flowers

Stimpy168 · 04/04/2020 20:34

He’s more verbally nasty than anything else.

OP posts:
Washyourhandsyoufilthyanimal · 04/04/2020 21:29

Don’t back down. You don’t love him and he’s abusive. Please take you and your daughter out of this horrible home. Good luck to you x

Stimpy168 · 04/04/2020 21:37

Planning on leaving tomorrow or Monday. I think he knows it’s over, just worried as he’s being more helpful like when we first moved in together atm

OP posts:
Stimpy168 · 04/04/2020 21:54

Wow one of my oldest friends just said I need to stay, talk to him and work on it. “Maybe he didn’t really want another kid just did it coz you wanted one and that’s why he’s being like this” your marriage vows are real and you need to help with his kids coz they need you. I’m a bit shocked to be honest.

OP posts:
abitlostandalwayshungry · 04/04/2020 22:11

Your 'friend' gave you horrible advice OP.

Your marriage vows mean nothing if your partner treats you with the disrespect and and cruelty yours did. you are worth a better life. go and start a new life away from him, you deserve happiness and love.

Weenurse · 05/04/2020 00:38

Good luck 💐 with finding accommodation.

NoMoreDickheads · 05/04/2020 00:42

Your mate's talking shite, it's not the 1950s anymore and you and your DD deserve better than this.

Best wishes and please keep us updated. xxx

oncemorewithfeeling99 · 05/04/2020 00:53

Please be as open and honest as you can with women’s aid. If you are scared now is the time to say so. Praying they have a place for you OP.

Don’t listen to your friend. Sometimes those nearest to us can’t believe how bad it is because we have done such a good acting job to cover up from the misplaced shame at being treated so crappily. It’s not uncommon for friends and family to not understand.

Keeping everything crossed for you that you can get accommodation very soon.

billy1966 · 05/04/2020 10:44

Jesus Christ, that's not a friend.

She is speaking absolute rubbish.

You are in a terribly abusive relationship.

Being used and abused by a horrible man.

He needs you to clean up after his children that he has encouraged to treat you like a skivvy.

Leave himand his children to it.

He is a horrible man, who knows EXACTLY what he is doing.

He doesn't want to be left to look after his house and children, without someone to terrorise.

He knows this and thinks if he eases off for a few days you'll rethink your plans.

He is utter scum.

Get away from him.

This will never improve.

Flowers
LannieDuck · 05/04/2020 11:05

You're allowed to not be in love with him anymore. That's ok. You don't have to stay in a relationship with someone who doesn't make you happy.

And that he wouldn’t be able to work and look after boys and they would have to go back to their mum.

The boys have two parents. As their step-Mum you were right to try and integrate into the family and help with the boys' care... but ultimately they're not your responsibility. Your 'DH' and his ex-wife will have to make arrangements to look after them. Yes, it will be harder for him to work without you facilitating him, but that's his problem to solve, not yours. Maybe he should have been a bit more appreciative of everything you do for him?? Because you're not obliged to do it! He's been treating you like a dogsbody, not as a loved partner.

You are his equal. You're just as entitled as he is to have a say in what you do every day, in your wishes and dreams for your life, in being around people who treat you well and love you. He doesn't get to dump you with all the sh*t jobs, and take all the money (that you've facilitated him earning!).

Take yourself and your child off to a refuge/friend's house, and eventually to your parent's house after Covid. See if you can find a job and some childcare, find a place to rent. You'll be so much happier when you're only looking after the two of you (instead of 5), and you have some money of your own (instead of handouts you have to beg him for).

EKGEMS · 05/04/2020 11:24

Your friend needs to stfu and needs to learn about abuse how ignorant can they be? With friends like that....

Techway · 05/04/2020 11:25

How old are his sons?

Stimpy168 · 05/04/2020 14:07

The boys are 11 & 8. I think I’m off to a hotel tonight and then a refuge from there. I don’t want to drag my girl around loads but guess I don’t have a choice. Bit frightened right now.

OP posts:
Candyfloss99 · 05/04/2020 14:10

This is great news. I'm so happy for you that you are getting away. Tell your girl your going on a holiday tonight and get to stay in a hotel. You will be so relieved when you get to that hotel room.

NaviSprite · 05/04/2020 14:22

You are doing so well OP and so long as your DD has you with her she’ll adapt. Well done you’re being so courageous and really, truly do deserve better. Keep posting here if you just want to get things off your chest - we’re here Flowers

billy1966 · 05/04/2020 19:37

Well done OP.

Please let us know you both are safe.Flowers

Longwhiskers14 · 05/04/2020 19:53

I hope you are on your way to somewhere safe, OP. You are being such an amazing mum to your daughter right now. At some point down the line you'll look back and realise what a lucky escape you've both had. Flowers

Stimpy168 · 05/04/2020 22:27

We’re at hotel safe and sound, got some dinner. Little lady had dinner, bath, story and bed. I can’t sleep as my mind is racing.

He’s messaged all sorts trying to make me feel guilty. Saying I don’t talk to him, that I’ve run away, it feels his heart has been ripped out as wife and daughter have left etc.

He was nasty as I left helped me get stuff to car to “get rid of me” then said you’re going without saying goodbye. I mean wtf.

OP posts:
Candyfloss99 · 05/04/2020 22:33

Can you block him, even temporarily? You don't need to keep putting up with his abuse even by phone.

billy1966 · 05/04/2020 23:28

So glad you are both safe OP🙏

The nasty/nice thing is that fundamentally he is a nasty abusive pievce of work......

But he also knows that you are of used to him, and he's going to be stuck without you doing all the donkey work in the house, and caring for his children.

I do think you should block him too. Give yourself a break from him.

You are a great woman to have gotten you both out of this situation and to a safe place.

Don't mind that twatty friend.🙄

Please reach out to those who can be of support to let them know that you have fled your home.
Flowers

Ogham · 06/04/2020 01:49

Well done Stimpy, I hope others are inspired by you to leave their abusive partners. I hope you get some rest and good luck tomorrow 🌸

Winnietheshit · 06/04/2020 02:01

Well done you! You’re doing this for your little girl. She deserves so much better.

HavenDilemma · 06/04/2020 02:35

@Stimpy168 Omg I'm so proud of you! Well done WineThanks

Swipe left for the next trending thread