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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

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:
SortingItOut · 11/04/2020 07:10

Please dont worry about him, he's probably fine but didnt answer to make you worry and then you'll go round to check on him.
Its all about the control.

So not only is he an abusive arsehole he is also a rapist, I'm not surprised you froze the next time you tried to have sex with him.

You are definitely well rid of him.

In answer to your question, no not all men are knobs, just some of them and you've just left one of the biggest knobs ever!!

billy1966 · 11/04/2020 10:28

Not surprised with your update OP.

He's a rapist as well.

He told you he was confused about stop because he knows only too bloody well that he was forcing you and committing a CRIME.

Don't worry about him being quiet.

Hes trying to control you.

The next time he asks you to return tell him that one of the reasons you won't be returning is because he raped you.

That will take the wind out of his sails.

Try and make a note of the date and where, and exactly what occurred.
While it's clear in your head.

He has terrorised and abused you.

He has committed a crime raping you.

Make sure he knows, that YOU know you were raped by him.

You are doing so well, and being so strong.
Tell your mother this also.
It will help her understand that you cannot go back to that house.
Flowers

Stimpy168 · 11/04/2020 11:38

Not sure I want to tell anyone tbh. Bit embarrassed and they and I will have to deal with him in the future as he’s my daughter’s father. I think my dad might also get himself in trouble if he knew as in; go try to knock his block off and and you getting himself arrested etc.

I felt it my fault as after I asked him repeatedly to stop and tried to get him to stopping I froze up and let him get on with it rather than fight. Maybe I wasn’t clear or forceful enough and then he made out it was a miss understanding. There have been other times where he has stopped when asked although he’s said stuff in the past like “I don’t want to” or “I can’t”. I guess on reflection there’s been a lot of red flags that I ignored or didn’t want to believe. Sorry rambling. With my oldest friend saying it’s my wedding vows blah blah blah, lock down and just feeling stupid and embarrassed I don’t really have many people to talk to. Thank you for your help.

OP posts:
billy1966 · 11/04/2020 12:12

Oh OP, you poor woman.

The most important thing is that YOU know he was and is wrong.

But he knows it too.

There is power in knowing he has committed a crime.

You don't know when it may be of use to you.

Flowers
SortingItOut · 11/04/2020 12:36

All victims of rape ask themselves those same questions that you have posted.

Its natural to think that you may have been partly to blame but the reality is that you were not to blame in any way,shape or form.
All blame is 100% on him.

You dont have to tell anyone but you do need to acknowledge that he is a rapist and please never go back.

Washyourhandsyoufilthyanimal · 11/04/2020 12:41

I’d tell your mum if you feel like you can, she will be understanding hopefully and you can have some real life support. Im so sorry, good luck x

MadamShazam · 11/04/2020 12:44

OP this is one of the worst things I have read on here. I don't even know where to start. But what has stood out for me is that not once has he taken any responsibility for his actions and behaviour and the impact he has had on you and your relationship. I am astounded at his audacity and gaslighting of you. And more so of your family and friends who think you should go back to this cunt of a man, who has treated you as a slave. Please don't go back.

florisandyoris · 11/04/2020 12:50

So glad that you left.

You could tell your mum that he raped you. So she understands why you can’t go back. Your daughter would not be safe around him.

Ogham · 11/04/2020 14:30

NOTHING is your fault in any way, shape or form @Stimpy168. God I’m so upset reading your update and of course you feel it was up to you to stop him or that it was a misunderstanding, that’s how they make us feel when our minds are in a jumble anyway!
Please tell your mom and dont feel embarrassed, he is a pig and they need to understand the extent of the hurt he caused you.
Your friend sounds quite religious - so in her mind, if her husband threatened to kill her, would she actually stay because of her ‘vows’ - give me a break. She is obviously Very naive and couldn’t imagine being in such a vulnerable situation. Ignore her bullshit.
Please Get your mom to understand that you can’t and won’t go back to that situation. Stay there for as long as it takes, they should want to protect you.

Stimpy168 · 11/04/2020 21:13

So looking at uk law it is classed as assault by penetration. Not rape as it wasn’t his penis I guess still pretty bad. I just couldn’t believe his strength and that I couldn’t get away or stop him. I tried to stay away and struggled to sleep in the same bed. Frightened I guess.

OP posts:
Stimpy168 · 14/04/2020 22:36

So he’s been begging me to go back. When I haven’t he gets nasty, twists things and says it’s me. That I don’t listen, that I’m selfish in wanting help when he works. That it’s all one sided, that the sexual abuse was a misunderstanding and he did stop eventually when I’d repeatedly said no and stop.

Is he right am I selfish expecting help when he works? I’m confused his messages are so long and go round and round and make my head hurt.

OP posts:
billy1966 · 14/04/2020 23:38

Of course he is wrong.

He is an awful man.

Don't let him confuse you and persuade you to go back.

Keep reading your opening posts.

You have been so brave gettin your daughter out.

His nastiness is who he is.

You deserve so much better than him.Flowers

Candyfloss99 · 15/04/2020 00:27

He's an abusive manipulative man. Nothing he says will ever be true. You really need to block him.

Stimpy168 · 15/04/2020 03:05

He was criticising me for breastfeeding our daughter for so long. I’m going by what the WHO and research suggests. He said ‘when did you discuss that with me’ because he wasn’t part of the discussion making on it therefore it’s me that’s the mean one. I find all the baby groups to take her to, why don’t I discuss with him or he get a say. I do say “I’ve found this group to take her to” he never looks into any or makes any suggestions so I don’t know what he expects. I think if it were up to him I wouldn’t take her to anything. He works from home so I’d get home and make him a sandwich etc for lunch and he’d moan because he wants to go for a walk when I just got back and didn’t want to go again as I’d be exhausted from being awake a lot in the night. He wouldn’t go alone so we’d have to go with him. Little one could nap but I couldn’t during this. Another way to stop me getting rest. Sorry waffling I’m so angry right now.

OP posts:
Candyfloss99 · 15/04/2020 03:30

I'm sorry @stimpy168 have you not left? Did you go back? None of that has got to do with him now you've left and realised he is an abuser. You do what is right for the child.

Tigersneeze · 15/04/2020 07:25

@Stimpy168 please don't go back to him, he is horribly abusive.

Stimpy168 · 15/04/2020 07:46

I haven’t gone back. Just trying to communicate with him and it’s horrendous. He goes on and on and there’s so much of it. How did o not see him for what he was before? I need to figure out where we’re going long term, get our stuff out the house and my money out the house as i put a lump towards the deposit and I’m on the mortgage etc.

OP posts:
emmielia · 15/04/2020 07:53

Please do not go back to him. You have done so so well to get away from him.
Thanks

RickOShay · 15/04/2020 08:00

You have done the right thing. Well done. If you can phone a solicitor.
What happened was not your fault in any way, I wish you all the good things. Flowers

FurryCat1978 · 15/04/2020 08:01

@Stimpy168 You poor dear lady. I’m so sorry that you’re in this horrendous situation. You say that his messages are long and ramble and make your head hurt: that’s what he’s counting on.... this systematic crumbling of You.
@Stimpy168, you will feel awful, doubtful, afraid and yet underneath these you have to trust that you are strong, fearless and so, so brave. When you find yourself doubting your decision to leave please just say to yourself “One more day: I’ll stay away one more day”. That will let your poor head and body start to heal; the days will get easier and soon you won’t feel so awful. You will feel free, strong, maybe angry and maybe guilty, but these are healing emotions.
Keep in touch with women’s aid from your parents house; they WILL help. The benefits system WILL help; you have been given incorrect advice by one ridiculous woman at the housing office. Ignore that advice.
The lovely people here WILL help; come back here frequently, read your opening posts when you feel wobbly, and read the support you have.
Take care of yourself @Stimpy168. You’ve done yourself the biggest care already by leaving... now’s the time to nurture that inner Mama Tiger who gave you the strength to leave in the first place.

crystalize · 15/04/2020 08:29

Stimpy I just read your thread. Wow well done on finally leaving this monster! You really must not give him the chance to further manipulate you over the phone. Please block him for a short time while you can gather your thoughts together and get some headspace. This man doesn't care about his daughter or seeing her, he just wants to get you back in your box. If you can't block him you do not have to respond to texts. Just ignore or wait a few days to reply, keeping it blunt and simple. No answering his questions. No amount of explaining will get through to him. It will get easier with time. Keep getting support from here and Womens Aid.

SortingItOut · 15/04/2020 08:53

@Stimpy168
Do not communicate with this man, he will just tie you up in circles.
While your brain is processing the trauma of your relationship and you leaving you are really vulnerable.

He will send a barrage of texts designed to confuse you and make you think you're in the wrong.

Abusers do this all the time, he is well versed in it otherwise you woukdnt have put up with it so long.

He will never see your way of thinking so you need to stop trying to explain or negotiate with him.
Youve made your decision and that's final.
It wouldn't even matter if he was the perfect husband and you fell out of love, its perfectly fine to end a relationship for whatever reason.
You dont have to explain your reasons to anyone.

Keep contact to a minimum and only about your child.
Do not speak to him about the house or money, he isnt going to be fair about anything.
Speak to a solicitor who will deal with all this for you.

SortingItOut · 15/04/2020 08:56

Remember JADE

You do not need to Justify, Argue, Defebd or Explain anything.

If you do you just go round in circles and that is not what you want right now.

Candyfloss99 · 15/04/2020 09:38

Your decision to breastfeed was always exclusively yours and nothing to do with him whether you're with him or not. Please block him while you find your feet and contact a solicitor.

holrosea · 15/04/2020 17:20

OP, I think @SortingItOut has hit the nail on the head: do not communicate with him, you have nothing to gain and everything to lose.

You have been so brave to leave and it was absolutely the right thing to do. He has abused your kindness, he has treated you like a house slave & skivvy, he is using all three kids as emotional blackmail, he has sexually assaulted you and exploited your vulnerabilty as a survivor of abuse to gratify himself and get away with it.

He is trying to tie you up in uncertainty, self-doubt and guilt because all is wants is his victim back under his thumb. The police were involved in his previous separation because one or both partners were abusive, dangerous and maybe violent. People miss or ignore red flags for all sorts of reasons, do not beat yourself up about having wanted a family and a shared home, you were breaking your back to provide this and he sabotaged you then told you it's all your fault.

Your head must be reeling and I can't imagine how all-over-the-place you must be, but I have some suggestions that I hope will help:

  1. Stop thinking about him. He is an adult and is responsible for his own behaviour. Even if he claims to have "not understood" that you were unhappy or struggling, or that he will change, that he will do his best, that he is depressed, etc., try to put it out of your mind. He is abusive and everything he says is intended to manipulate you.

  2. You are pushing ahead with positive action: keep on with the UC claim, call refuges, call friends, call anyone who might be able to help.*

  3. Don't worry about what other people think. You feel like your parents don't want you to be there right now: this is a temporary, potentially lifesaving (and positively life-changing) step for you and your daughter. Sod your friend and her crap advice - she's not in the istuation, she's not listened to you and her response is tone deaf and irrelevant.

  4. Make a positive list: confinement won't last forever, staying with your parents won't last forever. What are the positive things that you (and you daughter) want to do? Read a book in peace? Have a good night's sleep? Go to the beach and just be free to mess about and play however you wish? Cook for just the two of you and really enjoy sitting down to eat in peace and calm? All of those things are coming to you, you need to keep them front and centre and celebrate every small victory and freedom.

*You've already contacted Womens' Aid, but with regard to the house/mortgage (and obviously contact a solicitor) this might help:
rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/family-law/