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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

Should I leave and file for divorce

8 replies

Sarah8418 · 03/06/2020 09:31

I'm so conflicted right now.

My relationship with my husband is abusive. Not physically but mentally and verbally.

He's never been entirely reasonable but since my son was born (2yrs ago) he's been a nightmare to be around.

We both suffer with depression, I was abused as a child and have been through CBT and counseling which has helped alot.

But he refuses to get any help. His outlet seems to be constantly picked at me and we've been fighting non stop for months now. Sex stopped months ago and apart from watching TV in the evenings zombified. We don't spend much time together.

I feel stupid as I have friends and I know women who have been in very abusive relationships and part of me thinks I should sit it out and wait until my son is 3 so we can get the free childcare hours before I make a move.

Financially he earns 2.5times more than me. I know he wouldn't let me stay in the house so I'd have to move out.

So I'd have to rent or buy somewhere myself. I work part time in the NHS and have just applied for another role so I can have full time hours with 2jobs. But I'll still earn 22k before tax etc.

Barratts are giving NHS workers 5% deposit towards a new house so I'm wondering whether to plan to buy one of those. You can do help to buy on top, I've checked the t&C's so I'd get quite a bit towards the deposit. I want to try and be financially stable, my single mum friend said I would get a ton of help from the government but I feel bad about taking any.

Alot of my family cut me off through various things over the years so I only really have friends for support. He has his parents to help but no friends.

I just don't think I can mentally take anymore. I spent my whole childhood in situations where people were constantly angry with me and it's given me low self esteem and confidence. I don't want to spend any more of my life flinching everytime he walks by.

But I feel incredibly selfish because we have a child and he won't have the family dynamic I always wanted for him.

OP posts:
SleepingStandingUp · 03/06/2020 09:35

He won't have the abusive environment to grow up in, that's a good thing. Leave. Can you put together a deposit for a rental? Do you have access to shared money or just yours?

You need proper advice but please please, for you and your baby, leave.

WhotheWhat · 03/06/2020 09:37

But I feel incredibly selfish because we have a child and he won't have the family dynamic I always wanted for him.

What dynamic is that? Love and stability or conflict and anxiety?

ArriettyJones · 03/06/2020 09:42

Yes. LTB. File for divorce.

Don’t inflict a dysfunctional dynamic in your child. You have the chance to break the pattern for him. Flowers

Rhapsodyinpurple · 03/06/2020 09:44

Don't feel guilty for taking any benefits you are entitled to either. Just see them as providing much needed support for your son.

MyCatHatesEverybody · 03/06/2020 09:51

But I feel incredibly selfish because we have a child and he won't have the family dynamic I always wanted for him

But he doesn't anyway, unless you wanted him to grow up with two parents who openly hate each other. It'll be good to leave whilst your DS is young enough to be settled into that unhealthy dynamic. My mother was too scared to leave my abusive father and despite him passing away a decade ago I barely have any relationship with my mum as a result.

Vodkacranberryplease · 03/06/2020 09:51

Do it FOR your child. Now. And then meet someone lovely and bring your child up in a happy home. Now you have 100% chance of that not happening. Move out and that chance goes up dramatically. You sound sorted.

Also if he earns so much more you will get money from a divorce so don't be a wimp and get a solicitor. Do it because you care about your child - staying is child abuse

Sarah8418 · 03/06/2020 13:03

Thank you for the replies. I appreciate the input. I never want my child to hurt or suffer. My parents divorced when I was 6. So I agree to split younger would be better for him in the long run. We have joint and our own savings. I need to sort out my job before I make any leap. I did want to go to university but after a failed attempt studying nursing he refused to support it. I could have been qualified and earning a lot more now. But instead I'm stuck in a support role. I'll figure it out. I just don't have many people I can speak to so appreciate the input.

OP posts:
Dery · 03/06/2020 14:46

@Sarah8418 - you know what: you sound strong and clear-sighted.

As PP have said, there is no family dynamic now so you're not taking anything away from your child. What you will be doing is giving your son the chance to grow up in a calm, stable and loving environment. Good luck getting your ducks in order. Onwards and upwards!

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