Mumsnet saved me - 2 years later

[EShellstrop]

The two year anniversary of my ex hitting me for the first time passed recently, and I didn't even notice. I count that as a personal win, because I am no longer measuring my life in the time spent away from an abusive man.

But two years ago, I started a thread. I asked for help, and I got it. I got support and reassurance, and strength, and I left an abusive man the moment he laid a hand on me.

He was emotionally and financially abusive before he hit me. He used coercive control to keep me small for nearly 20 years.

But starting a thread on mumsnet, the day after he attacked me, helped me more than I could ever say.

Now? Now I have a career. I've just got a full time job paying more than I ever thought possible.

I have a healthy relationship.

My dc are doing well.

I have navigated the process of divorce and family court and I've come out the other side whole.

I am so, so grateful for this space and the women who cheered me on and helped me find my strength.

My life is better because of you. Thank you.

Lovely update
Don’t know if I commented but good to hear anyway

That's so fantastic. Massive congratulations to you. You are obviously a very, very strong woman.

Well done you!

This is so brilliant to hear. Sometimes you need to hear the opinions of others to make you realise what is/isn't ok. I'm so glad you're doing well

This site is sometimes amazing...congratulations OP

@barbrahunter

This site is sometimes amazing...congratulations OP

Isn't it just.

So glad you are doing well and you got away from the situation you were in. Lovely to hear such a positive story from Mumsnet

I did mean to change my username to reflect the one I used back then, but oh well. to everyone who doggedly and determinedly responds to threads where women are being abused and gaslit, and helps them find their way.

You make a difference.

You are strong and an inspiration. Thanks so much for the update. Hope you have a wonderful life, you deserve it.

I'm not tearful reading this. Not at all

@OrchestraOfWankery

I'm not tearful reading this. Not at all

Me too

Well done OP.

It's been 11 years for me :) MN saved me too.

Great to hear. You should be proud of yourself.

It's great to give the wonderful posters of MN credit, some just won't stop helping.

But always remember... MN may have helped but YOU did it you fantastic rockstar.

@MrsTerryPratchett

It's great to give the wonderful posters of MN credit, some just won't stop helping.

But always remember... MN may have helped but YOU did it you fantastic rockstar.

[insert crying but happy emoji here]

There is something very, very powerful about women supporting women. I hope I can carry that legacy with me to the end of my days.

So pleased for you @EShellstrop, I’m not in a great place at the moment so it’s wonderful to read such a positive post.

There are some amazing women on here.

@Overdon

So pleased for you *@EShellstrop*, I’m not in a great place at the moment so it’s wonderful to read such a positive post.

There are some amazing women on here.

You deserve health and happiness, and I am rooting for you!

Good for you! I wish my mother had left my abusive father when me and my ds were young - i think i would be a different (better!) person today if she had.

Well done

I am shedding a happy tear reading this.

We are all so proud of you @EShellstrop .

I was with an abuser and I wish that MN had been around then. It may have taken a while but it would certainly have saved some broken bones.

You are amazing. And even this thread will no doubt help others

So, so pleased to hear this and thank you for the update.

Congratulations. You deserve all your success and happiness, and I’m thrilled the Mumsnet vipers could help!

Good for you OP. So nice to hear of a happy ending

MN really helped me when my relationship came to an end (just from reading other threads in my case).

The relationships boards are amazing.

What a lovely update! MN can be so powerful in giving women the strength to leave.