Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

How do I summon the courage to leave

3 replies

mountainfan22 · 01/11/2021 12:54

Hi all, I know this topic is not new and I have read many similar threads here, but here I am - grateful in advance for your thoughts on my story. Trying to make it as short as I can, I've been struggling in my marriage of 7 years to cope as best as I could with DH's mood swings, anger outbursts, sulking etc, culminating many times with shouting rants, throwing objects around, and a couple of physical moments - shaking me, putting a hand in my throat and punching the wall. These last ones were very singular though. Mostly provoked by trivial issues (such as not finding something around the house, minor breakages, or me insisting to talk over an issue when he was already "in the zone", which I since learned is useless) but also a constant accusation barrage towards me - mostly along the lines of I don't listen and always try to impose my own agenda. Which I consider to be the exact opposite of who I am in my personal and professional life, as I am a positive, calm, rational and friendly person who really hates conflicts and would give up a lot to have peace and harmony around me. Over time I've learned to avoid any triggers as much as possible, not only for my own sake but mostly for DD from previous marriage (13) and DS from this one (6). As we all know, this approach doesn't really work - as soon as you steer clear of a trigger or potential explosive situation, another one is around the corner when you less expect. The twist is that after each of these moments there is a big acceptance of guilt from his side, promises to change and asks from me to forgive him and to allow another chance as he loves us so much and wouldn't want to lose us. My heart has warmed up every time, even after the most awful moments, I've said it loud and clear that there is a point beyond which I will not go, but I seem to always be pushing that point forward instead! In fairness he did make some significant attempts to change, but dropped them at various points along the way. He attributes his issues to childhood physical abuse, which he tried to manage with therapy and medication when younger, but abandoned course after a while as he said it wasn't helping. Said he wants to kill himself a couple of times, and also said he attempted as a child, when the crises were at their worst and got me very worried to the point of wanting to call GP or 999 but I didn't witness any concrete action so I didn't feel like I had a strong basis to place a call and have always tried to persuade him to take action and get professional help instead. He tried to engage with counselling even recently but dropped it after the first couple of sessions as he didn't feel he was listened to or understood. Has been prescribed antidepressants by GP a few years ago, took them a while but then dropped because he says it's not depression, he isn't feeling low (!). These incidents have been frequent enough to have me engage in therapy on my own, consider leaving at least a few times, save money and seek alternative living options (which is not available yet but will soon be). What's always stopped me from taking the step is that when he is not angry or sulking, he is a very good man and father especially to DS who loves him to bits, shows me a lot of affection, genuinely cares about the family and goes to great lengths to fulfill our needs. Whilst leaving would be I think a great relief for DD who never processed the situation fully as she was 7 when I remarried and the issues started early in the marriage after I'd been a single mother all her previous life, it would be a real blow for DS who adores his dad. He was never abusive towards them physically or verbally. We both work full time in quite demanding jobs and have no family support, I've been doing most of the childcare alongside nursery and afterschool club until recently, but in the past six months he's picked up quite a lot especially with DS and this would make the separation even harder. I know there is little to no chance in the long run for material change, but how do I manage to take the leap when things don't seem 100% black and white. I feel any decision I make will affect one of the children adversely. Any advice from you out there who went through similar situation? Do you think there is anything I can do to make things better and save this? I am grateful in advance for your thoughts!

OP posts:
labyrinth · 01/11/2021 13:16

I was in an abusive relationship for 7 years. We have 2 DC together. I knew he was abusive, but couldn't bring myself to leave. He effectively brainwashed me into believing that I'd mess the kids up if I ever left and that I couldn't manage financially without him (he was financially abusive too and when I left I had £7.23 in my bank account and a load of debt).
A good father does not abuse the mother of his kids.
They might not witness it but they will know what is going on as they navigate his moods too.
I left 2 years ago with the kids and the clothes on our backs.
I was ashamed and didn't want to tell anyone but I'm so glad I did.
I have had the support from my family and friends that he'd convinced me didn't exist. I manage just fine financially, and am actually much better off that I ever was with him. My kids are happier now as I'm not constantly dealing with him and his moods/needs/tantrums. We have a great time without him and have become much closer.
I am now in a happy and healthy relationship and I wish I'd left sooner!
After I left I have received counselling, done the freedom programme and learned everything I can about abuse.
Sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees when you're in it, but once you've left you realise how bad it was.
Please consider leaving. Educate yourself (using secret mode etc on your browser) on domestic abuse, trauma bonding and the freedom programme.

Nothing feels as good as freedom!

Stay safe x

mountainfan22 · 03/11/2021 09:56

@labyrinth thank you so much for your reply. Those resources are very useful, I will look into them.

OP posts:
Mojoj · 03/11/2021 10:02

He won't change. And he's not a good dad if he's allowing his kids to see him abusing their mum. Even if they've not directly witnessed it, they'll know. Make plans to leave. It will be awful for everyone. But then it will get better and you will all be happier. Just do it. Good luck.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page