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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

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DH just called me a *c**t, a w*nker and a selfish f*cling bitch

373 replies

21833efb · 24/04/2021 10:20

Not really an AIBU but posting for traffic

Now the TV is up loud, he keeps telling me to f*ck off and giving me a death stare, telling me "Happy Saturday!", slamming doors and I can't go and sit with him as he will yell at me to f off

Because his alarm went of at 7.30 this morning as last night I told him to set it (he didn't have to, just knew he had things to do today)

Has a history of verbal/emotional abuse but always my fault

Currently upstairs shaking and scared, the cats are terrified and dog not happy either

Apparently I am selfish and don't look after him

Only last night he was talking about refuges for men and about how abusive women lie - think he had this morning planned all along.

I am supposed to be seeing my family tomorrow but might not go now.

Things have been OK for a while but it's blown up this morning out of nowhere and it's all my fault

OP posts:
NewlyGranny · 24/04/2021 19:30

When an abuser says "I love you," it doesn't mean what it means when normal people say it. "I love you," from an abuser can translate as "I think I want too far - better limit the damage," or "I enjoy pulling your strings and watching you jerk about to my tune," or even "I can't be bothered to break in a new victim so you're staying."

When he says it, ask yourself how you'd know from his actions. When words and actions don't align, trust the actions, not the words.

DogsSausages · 24/04/2021 19:36

So he has been happily pottering away in the garage, gone out on his bike when you have sat at home crying and ironing his shirts. That is no life. You can do this, we are all here to help you, see your family tomorrow and tell them you just cannot cope with this on your own anymore. You can bet he wont shout, swear and strop about in front of your family.

FortniteBoysMum · 24/04/2021 20:08

It's not your fault. That's what he wants you to think. Yes he planned it so he can control you and stop you going to see your family. I suggest you go see them and tell them what's happening. Time to start planning your exit.

notagainmummy · 24/04/2021 20:09

I would never have stayed a minute with my abusive ex if it hadn't been for the kids. Get a job and get divorced.

Queenie6655 · 24/04/2021 20:16

@NewlyGranny

When an abuser says "I love you," it doesn't mean what it means when normal people say it. "I love you," from an abuser can translate as "I think I want too far - better limit the damage," or "I enjoy pulling your strings and watching you jerk about to my tune," or even "I can't be bothered to break in a new victim so you're staying."

When he says it, ask yourself how you'd know from his actions. When words and actions don't align, trust the actions, not the words.

This is so so true !!!!!👏👏👏
MrsRLynde · 24/04/2021 20:25

For those who have had the good fortune not to experience sustained abuse, please understand that it can affect brain function, risk perception and a lot of other things. If we want to be critical about people's actions, perhaps focus on the abuse and control? Stay strong OP Flowers.

bigbadbedknobs · 24/04/2021 20:34

Shame on anyone who is believing op. is abusive, abusers often accuse their victim of being abusive, this deflects blame from them, its projection, some abusers could start an argument in a boat in the middle of the ocean on their own. No one is perfect but none of the things you have described are abusive op.
Shame on anyone too saying that she must want to stay because she doesn't know what to do for the best. It's only today she has realised how abused she has been, that's a lot to get your head round in itself let alone planning leaving
Leaving is a very dangerous time for a woman, in fact if you do the freedom programme they advise you if you are not in immediate physical danger to keep your head down and plan with da workers how best to do it safely, as soon as it is safe to do so. But I'd suggest taking important docs and info you need financial stuff, medical stuff, and anything sentimental, photos, anything you'd be sad to have thrown out to your family tomorrow, whether or not you stay there overnight.
You need to know your cats are safe, and I hope you can find someone to look after them. I won't presume to try and tell you what to do, I don't know exactly your situation, there will be lots of things that you could do potentially but might not be possible in your situation. But do go home, even though he will make a fuss, that's part of the abuse,Isolating you from friends and family. Can you get up and go off without asking him do you think even if you have to get breakfast in the road.
Could you take your laptop? Guess you don't want to be without that, if you do come back, you could did get it, and thus have an excuse to go back, or your dad to come down to ' bring it back', and take some of your stuff and you drive back too, or your car could break down up there and your dad bring you back. I'm making suggestions, sorry, just ideas that might spark some thoughts or not. X

hannayeah · 24/04/2021 20:55

Sounds like he didn’t want you to see your family so he went by the typical script that keeps you from seeing your family.

If you always react the same way to him, he will keep doing this because it works out the way he wants. Try something different and go tomorrow as planned.

FlissMumsnet · 24/04/2021 21:00

We've been asked to post some links to advice and support on this thread, which seemed like a good idea.

Perhaps most importantly, here's our link to our Domestic Violence webguide in case any number there is of use.

We also have a piece here about coercive control and another on spotting the signs of an abusive relationship.

And we put this page together with the help of women's aid, which might be of interest for anyone who knows someone in an abusive relationship or even is just talking to them on the boards.

We appreciate that everyone wants to give the OP advice and support and that it all comes from a good place but we have had to delete a few posts that we felt were either victim blaming or just went a bit beyond 'advice'. We're sure the OP is grateful for all the responses but please do bear our talk guidelines in mind when posting and remember that someone's situation is rarely quite as simple as it might appear from reading their posts, particularly when they're in a difficult or vulnerable situation.

OP, we wish you all the best.
Flowers

NameChange1947 · 24/04/2021 21:10

I have NC for this.

I've been with my H for 20 years. Most of the time he's ok. He has anger problems and has been treated for depression before. He had a violent childhood. Not excusing his behaviour but giving background. I used to take his physical violence. I've had a black eye. When he realised the hitting and the verbal violence wasn't bending me to his will, he stopped.

As an aside he also threatens suicide if I say we are splitting up. Because he's prone to depression I'd stay. Now I know it's a classic move to make me stay. I myself have suffered MH issues in part due to his bevaviour. It was my recovery that made me see what he was up to, if that makes sense.

He doesn't hit me anymore but he still calls me horrible names. I ask him not to. Once he's calmed down he never says sorry, says I wound him up and he only calls me those names because he knows I don't like them. So that's alright, isn't it? Of course not.

I have hung onto this relationship because of money, mostly. I do have a DC, in their early teens. He's not violent towards them, but isn't very good at handling teenage strops. He can be short and rude with them. I think DC is aware that he can be scary. They try not to upset them.

I decided a long time ago I had to plan to leave. I am very aware of what he's like. But its not easy. I have very little support in real life. I am a very shy person and do not trust people easily. I do have family members to go to but they live 100s of miles away and my plan includes keeping my job.

Lots of things the OP has told us rings true. It's always my fault. I'm the selfish one. I'm the one who should understand why he is like he is. He always knows better than me. The way I want to do things is wrong. He can do WTF he likes but I have to remember to stay home and do XYZ. He's manipulative. I can see right through him.

After every argument he says he loves me but never apologises, ever. So, damage limitation, but no remorse.

There are things happening which I am watching closely but I need to be vague to stop outing myself, but needless to say depending on the outcomes I should be able to leave soon. It's not as simple as "Just leave now", you have to plan carefully. I will tell family what is going on. I suspect they never liked him anyway. I have a very old friend who already knows what's going on. I write a diary of events. I have some savings but I need to add more so I'm trying to do that now.

I just wanted to tell the OP that in time, she will see right through her H as well and by following the excellent advice that so many have already given she will be a much stronger, more awesome person than she was before. I read a lot of accounts of DA on this forum (which helped me identify my DA) and Mnetters are great at making us see what we have to do. It might take a week, it might take 30 years, but we will get there, in the end.

Much love Flowers

21833efb · 24/04/2021 22:52

The end of another day, thank god. Both gone to our separate rooms. Thank you to everyone who has given their support, it means such a lot to know that I'm not alone. Sad to see that there are so many others in similar or worse situations.

I am sad that my marriage appears to be over - it is for me, anyway. He is acting like nothing has happened and was wanting cuddles this evening - but I ignored him and walked away.

No apology, no remorse.

I am heartbroken to have to do it and leave my home, but it's the only way.

Once I've gone I want a clean break divorce and never want to see him or hear from him again. I don't want any ties to him at all.

I am just scared of what's ahead and scared of ending up going homeless on the streets.

Thank you again to those who have supported me today Flowers

OP posts:
Bananalanacake · 25/04/2021 00:23

Sending you best wishes, I also hope you see your family and tell them everything.

MumInBrussels · 25/04/2021 06:01

OP, I understand the future looks scary. But yesterday was scary too. And I bet a lot of the last 25 years has been scary. If you leave - when you leave - it'll be scary but you'll be able to have hope again. You'll be able to wake up without being scared of what that man will do or say to you today. You may have other worries, but I don't think you'll regret leaving. Look at the stories the awesome women on this thread have shared - they are glad they left, even if things were difficult for a while immediately afterwards.

When you can, talk to people. Start with your dad and your brother. Tell your boss at work, maybe, if they seem nice. At some point, talk to a solicitor about divorce - you don't have to do that now. But divorcing will formalise your escape and will mean you have access to some money - you're entitled to some of the marital assets, even if he hasn't shared them while you've been married. These should help you in finding somewhere to live that's just for you and your cats, and it'll be an amazing place, because it'll be just yours.

You can do this. You're stronger than you think you are. You deserve so much better than your husband. So much more than you're currently being allowed in your life. I'll be thinking of you often over the next few days and weeks, and I'm sure I won't be the only one.

BagORats · 25/04/2021 06:24

I haven't rtft, only your posts OP. Would it be possible for you to record him without him noticing when he's going off on one at you?

Obviously not if it would put you in danger from him but you keep saying that nobody would believe you but if there was a recording of how he talks to you then it's very hard for them not to.

GingerBeverage · 25/04/2021 07:11

No apology, no remorse.

Good. Why would you want a fake apology? Why do you want another lie? Saying sorry won't mean anything, it's just another controlling manipulation.

Manonymous · 25/04/2021 07:24

It's possible that he's cheated or done something else that is causing him to be angry all the time and find fault with everything you do, in an attempt to internally justify what he's done. Check his phone. You need to get out anyway, but it may provide the courage you need and help you see you are not at fault if you find something dodgy.

NeilBuchananisBanksy · 25/04/2021 07:36

Oh op. You aren't the abuser, he's just made you feel that way.

Suggesting a 7:30am alarm was a kind thing to do. You didn't set it for him. He did that. And then to blame you? He was gunning for a fight this morning. It's him not you.

I hope you tell your family today.

Talk to the charity you volunteer at about the cats and the dog.

Keep your head down in the meantime. Iron his shirts etc if you need.

Mumsnet will always be here for you.

Just wanted to pick up on something- has he made you show him your medical records before? What happened? I'd see your GP and explain everything including that he makes you show them your records.

SunshineCake · 25/04/2021 07:55

Please let us know how you are today and I really hope you've called your father.

Parkerwhereareyou · 25/04/2021 08:23

**Hi OP
So much support here and your last update sounds like it’s really helping you, so that’s great.
I find this in particular helpful to bear in mind:

For those who have had the good fortune not to experience sustained abuse, please understand that it can affect brain function, risk perception and a lot of other things.

I have been massively affected by my challenge, on a daily basis. It’s impossible not to be. It’s like you aren’t even allowed to be happy. If he sees even the slightest spring in my step, it’s like a fresh opportunity to hurt me.

It hurts so much, all of this, OP. You don’t have the tie of children, the complex emotional and moral dilemma of how to deal with his role as father. You are actually in a fantastic position to just get him out of your life and forget he ever existed.

Sounds like you are on the path now to do this. Well done. Don’t waste any more time on him than you need to just to get away from him. X

Queenie6655 · 25/04/2021 09:17

You won't be homeless

Trust me there are so many great people who can help

This could get so much worse with him
My ex went on to try to kill me
He sounds similar to yours

Please stay safe

PicknM1x848 · 25/04/2021 09:40

You can divorce for £500 for unreasonable behaviour. You need to see a solicitor, but I think you can apply online

You can seperate & still live in same property & claim universal credit in your name apply www.gov.uk

You need to tell your family & friends or your doctor & ask for their help

If necessary stay with your family & claim universal credit there

You have NO children, you don't need to stay

MarshmallowAra · 25/04/2021 09:45

You can divorce for £500 for unreasonable behaviour.

If you wait two years separated and he agrees (5 years if he doesn't agree to divorce) you don't even need to cite unreasonable behaviour (not that he hasn't given you about five examples just in this thread). You may get legal aid.

Obviously it depends how long you can afford to wait to get your half of any assets.

Maggiesfarm · 25/04/2021 10:16

I think the court fees are a lot more than £500.

The op may be able to get legal aid though.

Bythemillpond · 25/04/2021 10:25

I haven't rtft, only your posts OP. Would it be possible for you to record him without him noticing when he's going off on one at you

Obviously not if it would put you in danger from him but you keep saying that nobody would believe you but if there was a recording of how he talks to you then it's very hard for them not to

My friend recorded her husband raping her and the police said they could have been play acting

MyMushroomsInATimeSlip · 25/04/2021 11:00

Thinking of you OP. How are you today? Have you been able to get some support from your family or women's aid xx