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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

DP arrested for assault (advice from mums please!)

324 replies

unsure141 · 28/07/2020 08:38

Hello,

This is my first post on mumsnet and in all honesty it might just be because I need some mums to reassure me (abusive relationship with own).

In short: my boyfriend (21) was arrested at 2am last night for assault on me, the police were called by two separate witnesses and despite my protests he was taken into custody where he is atm.

If you need more details: we are both 21, final year of uni, and live together. We have been together since October 2019 (I know it’s not a long time). He has some mental health issues and quite a spiteful temper when he really snaps. Last night we went out and came back around midnight. An argument started over what to watch on Netflix (I knowConfused ) and it escalated to the point of him pushing me onto the sofa whenever I tried to get up, and then he pushed me backwards into the kitchen counters. I am not injured but it was obviously unpleasant. This is not the first time he has been physical (and to be 100% transparent, at times I have given as good as I’ve got, though he is 6ft and I’m 4ft 11). We spoke about it roughly 20 mins later and he apologised, as did I for starting the argument and for something unkind I said during. The pushing incident was witnessed, unbeknownst to us, by two neighbours in flats that have a direct view into our kitchen, both of whom called the police. When the police arrived I was obviously very shocked as I knew I hadn’t called them, but I was happy to talk to the officers. They explained that even though I didn’t want to give a statement, that because it was a domestic incident, it’s protocol to arrest him. I begged to be able to see him before he left but this was refused for my own safety, which I understand though by this point he was calm. The officers returned shortly afterwards and told me that DP had been cooperative and calm, albeit quite mardy and a bit dramatic. They told me he would most likely be released between 11am-5pm today, but I’ve heard nothing more.

I suppose I am making this post because I have nobody to talk to. My friends already think he’s an arse (he is but to be fair, they don’t always see the nicer parts of our relationship), as mentioned before I don’t have contact with my mum, my dad has left me on ‘read’ when I messaged him about this, and I’m an only child, no extended family.

The reason I am so worried about him is because I am terrified this will be my fault somehow in his mind. I know rationally that’s ridiculous because I am literally the victim, and he KNOWS I didn’t call the police, but I know what his mind can get like when he’s isolated. He also won’t be taking his medication when he wakes up like he should, as it’s here and not with him.

I think I am probably upset and tired over nothing, but I would really just like some advice from a Mum please. What would you tell your daughter to do in this situation?

(I know the majority will say LTB, but like all women in this situation, I’m caught up in the fact that I really do love him with all my heart. The thought of him in a cold cell by himself is devastating for me).

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post, I’m sorry if I’ve drip fed, I haven’t slept all night. Also I’m sorry if I’ve put this in the wrong section!

OP posts:
ursuslemonade · 28/07/2020 11:18

Op Mumsnet is full of threads by women like you but 15 years down the line with 3 kids....Trust me, this won't get better, you need to get out before it's too late. Count yourself lucky that you're still young and childfree!

FizzyGreenWater · 28/07/2020 11:20

Posted too soon!

Have you stopped to think how bad that must have looked, for two seperate households to call the police?

He must have really gone for you. They weren't even in the same building FGS, for them to be able to see in enough detail and be that alarmed - he must have fucking slammed you flying.

You 'love' that?! Just stop and think.

He's a pig.

baileys6904 · 28/07/2020 11:20

This was me and I wasted 5 years on him in my 20's when I should have been living life and at ny most carefree. It got to the point where I didn't get to go out or literally do anything. So glad you've got out. Stay strong. They do sweet talk you. They tell you it'll change, they've gone through trauma, that they've never felt the way with anyone else as they do with you. I've eventually had a child and have been with my partner for 10 years and extremely happy and content. My ex is in prison serving a life sentence after torturing and killing someone.
You don't need that shit in your life. You don't need to have to worry about setting him off. You don't need to have to walk on eggshells. Just be strong, and know your worth

Etinox · 28/07/2020 11:22

@unsure141 You asked, What would you tell your daughter to do in this situation?
I'd give her a hug and take her home. There's no need to stay, no longevity or shared property or kids. Get out my love.

TheGodmother · 28/07/2020 11:23

If you were my daughter is drive all through the night and stay with you to make sure you didn't take the wanker back.

I'm so glad you've packed a bag, but do you think his mum is the best person to get a cuddle off? She may persuade you to see his good points and get you to take him back.

Can you not contact one of your friends to support you? The university? Please darling don't waste your young life.

Etinox · 28/07/2020 11:23

@FizzyGreenWater

Posted too soon!

Have you stopped to think how bad that must have looked, for two seperate households to call the police?

He must have really gone for you. They weren't even in the same building FGS, for them to be able to see in enough detail and be that alarmed - he must have fucking slammed you flying.

You 'love' that?! Just stop and think.

He's a pig.

That's the bit that stood out to me- 2 separate households were concerned enough to call the police. This is really serious OP
Etinox · 28/07/2020 11:24

Yes do contact the university OP- there will be advice and support available even in the holidays.

AmandaHugenkiss · 28/07/2020 11:26

OP, I was you 20 years ago. If my neighbours had called the police then, I might have saved myself 10 years of pain and heartache in an abusive relationship. I might have realised I was trying to justify his behaviour, and blaming myself rather than him. I might have realised the 95% of the time that he was lovey and funny and sweet didn’t make up for the 5% he was an absolute shit who frightened me so much I was afraid to have an opinion that wasn’t the same as his.

I am now in a wonderful relationship with someone who treats me like I’m his whole world 100% of the time. There is something better for you out there. Don’t settle for anything less, because better is what you deserve.

If I was your mother, I’d be driving you somewhere else far away from him.

unsure141 · 28/07/2020 11:28

Just a very small update: a lovely policewoman called at 9:45 saying they were taking him in for an interview and that they were considering a DVPO (domestic violence protection order) which would mean he can’t come near me for 48 hours (i think is what she said). I agreed that would be a good idea, though I hope that info isn’t passed on to him.

I just want to say again how grateful I am that so many have said such nice things. I know it’s a bit of a sob story, but it’s not hard to see that how badly I was treated as a child has meant I’ve grown to accept that if someone loves me enough, they can hit me and it be ok if they just say sorry. It’s what my mum did, and it’s what he could do, and now I realise I’m wrong in that belief.

My bag is packed and by the door. I can’t quite face the landlord/paperwork side of things right now as I’m so drained but I will tomorrow. My dad is driving up from London (I’m in the North at uni) to get me so he will be here in a few hours. Not contacted his mum yet, as in the past she has minimised his behaviour and treated him like a baby which i don’t want to happen again.

I can’t explain how much this support means to me. Without this push, I think I’d have stayed. Thank you

OP posts:
diplodocusinermine · 28/07/2020 11:32

At the stage of a relationship you're at, seeing each other 9 months, you should still be at the stage where just seeing him makes your heart lift. You should not be dealing with his mental health issues, his violent outbursts. You#re obviously scared of him.

He SHOULD be the person who makes you feel happy, loved, secure. He doesn't. He makes you feel scared, sad, lonely.

You say you love him with all your heart. Why? Don't you think you deserve to love and be loved by someone who will treat you well, cherish you. be kind to you - I know when you're young these aspects can seem a bit boring, but believe me, if you're in a relationship for the long haul, a kind, loving, respectful partner is what you want, not some arse who loses his temper and becomes violent because you can't agree on which TV programme to watch.

You have no ties to this person. His behaviour won't get better, I can guarantee it. You can't 'fix' him - that's not your job.

I get the feeling you probably moved in together quite quickly - you need to get to know someone properly before you shackle your whole life to theirs.

Leave. There is no way this 'relationship' will ever get better. Leave before there are children to consider. Leave before he ruins your education. Leave before he hurts or kills you.

You have no reason to stay. Leave, and do it today.

Lolapusht · 28/07/2020 11:33

Well done OP! If you feel yourself wavering, please come back and read the comments here. You are still young and have so much potential, please don’t live a half-life because of a man. Look into some counselling to help you reprogramme your thinking as it sounds like you’ve had a difficult past at a critical time in your life (if you’ve had a violent/abusive mum then you’ve been given the wrong information in how to have healthy relationships. Nothing you’ve done and not your fault and it can be fixed). Good luck Flowers

diplodocusinermine · 28/07/2020 11:33

Oops - late to the party as usual. That is good news. Your life will be so much better now.

Chrysanthemum5 · 28/07/2020 11:34

@unsure141 I'm glad your Dad is coming to get you, and you are right that your childhood will have influenced how you feel right now. To give you a positive message though - I was you, I put up with any bad behaviour and cruelty because I was raised to think that's what I deserved. I've had counselling, and I'm not perfect now, but I'm a lot stronger - and more importantly I've forgiven myself for anything that happened to me when I wasn't feeling as strong.

Best wishes to you

speakout · 28/07/2020 11:35

GET OUT NOW.

speakout · 28/07/2020 11:36

Jus saw your update- well done OP.

CodenameVillanelle · 28/07/2020 11:36

Bless you
A piece of advice from a mum who has had her fair share of shitty relationships - love is NEVER enough and if a man is treating you badly he will carry on treating you badly. It hurts to end a relationship where you love the man but it will hurt you more to stay with him.
You can never fix a relationship that is broken. And this one is broken. Leave, cry, feel sad and sorry but don't go back.

DJattheendoftheworld · 28/07/2020 11:38

I spent most of my 20s in an abusive relationship, leaving (and not going back) was the hardest thing I've ever done, but life is immeasurably better now.

Leave and please don't ever, ever go back, however much you think you miss him. Men like this never change.

You deserve so much better.

If you need practical help to leave, you can call Refuge, or your university may be able to help.

EmpressSuiko · 28/07/2020 11:38

Oh op I’m so glad you’re leaving, please try to stay strong and don’t let him trot to convince you to go back to him.
I spent (wasted) 3 years of my life with someone like your dp, I was so proud of myself when I plucked up the courage to leave, it’s been 12 years and I still have nightmares, anxiety and trust issues due to everything that happened to me.
You deserve so much more, it’s never right for anyone to ever be physically or emotionally abusive to you.
Good luck op, I wish you all the best, you have such a bright future ahead of you 💐

AnotherEmma · 28/07/2020 11:39

Fantastic update, I am very glad that you agreed to the DVPO and that your dad is coming to get you.

Some of the posts have been rather hard hitting but I think you understand that they are all written out of concern for you (even if they are harshly worded) and there is a lot of support and kindness here for you. Which is nothing less than you deserve.

Flowers
AmandaHugenkiss · 28/07/2020 11:39

Well done OP! If I was your Mum I’d be so proud of you right now for showing this amount of courage.

TheGodmother · 28/07/2020 11:42

Well done OP. You are amazing young lady and you have hundreds if not thousands of virtual mothers cheering you on.

I'm almost crying for you. Look at the Freedom Programme, educate yourself and get out of this abusive cycle.

You managed to do in 12 hours what some have taken 20 or 30 years to do!

YOU ARE AMAZING

SeaToSki · 28/07/2020 11:43

So glad you are leaving OP. There are a lot of wonderful men in the world. Please give yourself a chance to meet one.

If you leave this nasty aggressive boy, you will have a chance to meet someone who will love you like you deserve to be loved.

Someone who will put you first

Someone who will watch something on netflix that he doesnt like just because you want to watch it.

Someone who thinks that you are the best thing that has ever happened to him

Please give yourself a chance to meet that someone, you deserve it

notfunnynow · 28/07/2020 11:44

If I was your mum I’d be proud of you right now

notfunnynow · 28/07/2020 11:44

I also strongly recommend getting some counselling

FelicityPike · 28/07/2020 11:47

Good to hear you’re going.
You’ve made a very strong, brave decision. Well done.

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