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

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Partner has no respect for my sexual boundaries

772 replies

angryandscared1 · 06/11/2021 08:01

I'm so angry and upset. NC for this but regular poster.

I'm sorry this is quite long and some graphic descriptions of sexual nature so please don't read on if this isn't for you.

Partner and I have 7 month baby, things have been v stressful since baby was born, no time for each other etc. We've been working on it.

We very rarely have sex, it's just impossible to find the time or energy, both always exhausted. I'd say we have sex once every 2-3 weeks since baby's birth, it used to be every other day or at least 4 times a week so I understand his frustration. I also feel differently now, hate my body how it's changed so much (used to be slim and toned now have larger tummy and thighs), and also I just don't have much libido anymore.

Anyway last night we were kissing in bed etc and I said I wanted to try and have sex. I was very clear it had to be with a condom or nothing (I'm not on any birth control at the moment and definitely don't want another baby yet), and I also said I need you to be gentle and careful. He agreed. He then proceeded to be quite rough with his fingers, I had to remind him twice please be gentle that hurts. Then he attempted to penetrate me without the condom on, I said what are you doing, he said I wanted to "feel you" - I said again, no we need to take this seriously as I don't want to end up pregnant again. He seemed to accept that but the rest of the foreplay seemed half hearted so I felt he wasn't interested and was impatient to get to the "main event". He kept pushing to penetrate me (more with his body language than anything). I felt under pressure. He also had his hand on my throat at one point - I removed it but didn't say anything to him. After some foreplay I said ok we can do it now - he then entered me quite aggressively from behind without a condom (I didn't realise at this point he didn't have one on). I was so taken aback by how rough it was, I didn't know what to say or do, it hurt so much. He was being very aggressive, I tried to get up on my knees to stop the pain but I couldn't. I have no idea why I didn't just say stop, but I was in shock with it. Then he said he was going to ejaculate on my bum - I suddenly realised there was no condom. I started to cry and pull away from him then I just left the bed sat in the bathroom and cried.

Afterwards I said how hurt and angry I was that he has no respect for my boundaries. He claimed it was "hard to remember" to use a condom because we never used to before the baby. I think this is a ridiculous excuse, I said several times please use one. With regard to being rough with me, he said "I thought you wanted rough sex" (not sure how, I'd said several times during foreplay, please be gentle).

This morning he's making me feel like I've done something wrong. I said technically he had raped me by penetrating me against my consent without a condom - he got annoyed when I used that word and said "fine we aren't having sex ever again if you're going accuse me of that - from now on this is a sexless relationship and I'll stay just for the baby".

I'm so confused about the whole thing. Did he rape me? Should I have spoken up sooner and said stop when it hurt? I just can't make sense of any of it and I don't want him anywhere near me anymore. Sad

OP posts:
WonderfulYou · 07/11/2021 11:41

I’m glad you’re staying strong OP it must be awful for you having to hear his lies but just remember you’re doing the right thing.

He will probably get more intense soon trying to make you feel sorry for him. He’ll start bringing up how it’s unfair to your child and how sorry he is and how he’d never hurt you etc.
Don’t even engage in conversation with him. You need a few days without him in your ear whilst you think.

There’s no need for him to see his child right now as he needs to give you some space and if he loves you he will respect that. You won’t be stopping him seeing his child forever you just need a couple days with no contact from him.
I’m sure he’ll either play the sad act and make you feel guilty or threaten you with court etc saying you’re trying to stop him seeing his son.
Ignore it all and do not engage. Tell him if he doesn’t leave you’ll be phoning the police.

ChargingBuck · 07/11/2021 11:42

@angryandscared1

I am feeling very lost and alone this morning. He is back to help with baby and get more of his stuff then he will be leaving again. He said he was lying awake "worrying" last night and "he wishes he could go back and turn back the clock". I think the gist of it is he is worried I'm going to report him. He hasn't had a sleepless night feeling like shit for hurting me, he's worrying about the consequences for himself. Says it all really. I've had all the "I love you" stuff as well... Hmm
You are intelligent & resourceful & you can see right through him. Well done OP.

If it's any comfort, I lay awake worrying last night too, & I'm sure I wasn't the only one. We believe you, we empathise with you, & we want you to get clear of this man.

He is now performing the "wounded soldier" part of The Script.
Fake remorse, fake sorrow, fake 'I love you's.
Take advantage of it - I'm sure he making you feel sick with his performance, but it's a darn sight better than anger & gaslighting.
While he is in this mode he is relatively safe, so use it, & the time he is out again, & to plan, to contact real life support.

Feeling lost & alone is natural - but it will pass.
He put you through a life-changing ordeal, it's an absolute headfuck when someone who is meant to love you hurts you instead.
But you are not lost - you have your good job to return to, which you can support yourself with, so there is your independence & ability to create a new life & safe haven for you & the baby.
And you are not alone - the reactions here, from strangers, should show you how everyone who actually knows you & cares about you will feel.
You don't have to tell the world! - but when he goes out again, choose one person, & tell them. You don't even have to detail everything. Just that he has turned abusive & you need some handholding while you sort out the practicalities of leaving.

But ... part of the healing is telling someone - whether that is a Woemns Aid or Rape Crisis professional, or one of your own close friends or family. It will help you when you get that wavering feeling you got last night. It will help you feel secure, & a little bit more 'normal'.
You can't carry this all alone OP.
Please talk to somebody xx

MondayYogurt · 07/11/2021 12:01

Worth reading Why Does He Do That by Lundy Bancroft - easy to find via google. You'll see his pattern of behaviour has been noted before.

I would keep quiet for now and try not to feed any clue of your thoughts either way. As long as he has a hope of controlling you again he will try to hold on to it.

At some point I expect he'll start trying to sow the "crazy b" story about you to colleagues/family to discredit you. Please do tell someone IRL what has happened.

DameFanny · 07/11/2021 12:19

Another thought @angryandscared1 - if at any point you start thinking 'I can't tell anyone now, they'll think I'm making it up because I didn't say anything at the time' please remember that this thread is your contemporaneous reporting. You can, if you want, show someone - including a solicitor or the police - that you were hurt, and shocked, and talking about immediately after the assault.

So don't let that be a voice in your head as you decide what you need to do to keep you and DC safe Flowers

MzHz · 07/11/2021 12:28

Of course you’re feeling lost and alone @angryandscared1 your whole world has shifted into territory you never wanted it to go to.

But it has.

And you can see his concern is ONLY for himself

Make sure that what he has taken this morning is enough for him not to have to pop back daily. Refuse access - threaten to report him if he doesn’t respect you, it’s the only thing he cares about.

The I love you stuff, how much of an idiot does he think you are? What he did is not the act of someone who loves you. How he’s behaving since isn’t either.

You’re seeing the truth of him love and as ugly as it is, don’t close your eyes to it, this vision of yours will save you. We’re all here for you and I too would scoop you and the baby up in a heartbeat (((hug)))

HelpwithPCNs · 07/11/2021 12:50

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

BackBackBack · 07/11/2021 12:52

This reply has been deleted

Quotes deleted post

HappyDays101010 · 07/11/2021 12:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AcrossthePond55 · 07/11/2021 12:55

This reply has been deleted

Quotes deleted post

beastlyslumber · 07/11/2021 12:55

OMG thanks so much for your "male perspective" minimising what happened and victim-blaming the OP.

His "ardent actions" were rape.

How dare you. You are disgusting @HelpwithPCNs. You have no right posting on this thread by a rape victim.

beonthemathside · 07/11/2021 12:55

@HelpwithPCNs What? ...

rrockett · 07/11/2021 12:57

Yay a mainsplainer. Hmm

BackBackBack · 07/11/2021 12:57

Thank God a man is here to tell us how we're getting it wrong about rape and sexual violence Hmm

beastlyslumber · 07/11/2021 12:58

I've reported your post @HelpwithPCNs but I honestly think you should be banned entirely. What do you think gives you the right to mansplain rape to women and rape victims? You are out of order. Piss off.

EarringsandLipstick · 07/11/2021 13:00

I see it's deleted now but I'd be inclined to agree with you beastly

Just unbelievable the extent some men will take mansplaining to. 😡

bigred22 · 07/11/2021 13:01

@HelpwithPCNs

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.
Just what the fuck are you talking about- if your daughter was raped by her husband would you also say the below or would you be telling her the same?!

If the answer is no, then ask for your frankly ridiculous comment to be deleted and if it's no then you've really got your own set of issues and have no place commenting here

RandomMess · 07/11/2021 13:03

Sadly I think because of having his baby he believed he could demand the second he wanted without repercussions.

Angry

Please tell your friend and get some real life support.

ChargingBuck · 07/11/2021 13:04

@HelpwithPCNs

Thanks for mansplaining how rape isn't really rape & all we little women need to do is calm down & accept it as a compliment to how attractive we are.

I'd love you to come & explain it to me in person, but I doubt you are brave enough.
When I start beating you round the head with my shellaylee, I bet you whinge about it & refuse to accept I am simply demonstrating my passionate engagement with your argument.

IveGotASongThatllGetOnYNerves · 07/11/2021 13:24

Well. I think a rapist just outed himself.

angryandscared1 · 07/11/2021 13:35

Oh my god I'm so glad I didn't see that man's post, I couldn't have coped with it. Thank you wonderful ladies for having my back here. It means the world x

OP posts:
angryandscared1 · 07/11/2021 13:36

I'm just out shopping with baby at the moment just getting some fresh air and headspace. I keep feeling like I could burst into tears any moment but trying to be strong.

OP posts:
BackBackBack · 07/11/2021 13:46

@angryandscared1

I'm just out shopping with baby at the moment just getting some fresh air and headspace. I keep feeling like I could burst into tears any moment but trying to be strong.
It's very early days. You have been through a horrible experience. Can you reach out to your friend for a little support? You need someone that you can talk with, and to help you plan.
angryandscared1 · 07/11/2021 13:48

@BackBackBack

Yes I've messaged a friend. I haven't told her the details just that we've had a bad row and I'm feeling alone. She has offered to help and asked what she can do. I'm struggling to respond right now... I'm not sure what she could do? I'm not ready to say out loud to anyone in RL what had happened.

I actually can't believe a man came on this thread to "mansplain" sexual violence. Of all the things that don't need mansplaining - this is surely one of them!!! Angry

OP posts:
PickupaPenguin8 · 07/11/2021 13:54

I think unfortunately there are still a lot of men around who think they have the right to sex with their wife when they want it. How they want it. They think rape is carried out by strangers against a stranger in a park or alleyway. ‘Getting carried away’ or being frustrated is their excuse for abuse.

ChargingBuck · 07/11/2021 14:01

Yes I've messaged a friend.
Great news!

I haven't told her the details just that we've had a bad row and I'm feeling alone. She has offered to help and asked what she can do. I'm struggling to respond right now... I'm not sure what she could do?
She can help you feel less alone.
She can be your real-life version of the support you have here - but an actual person, who can hug you, & make you tea, & who knows you & what makes you tick.
She could have you stay over, or come to yours to stay.

I'm not ready to say out loud to anyone in RL what had happened.
Flowers
That's ok.
You don't need to give details yet.
You need human warmth right now OP. A safe hug from a female. Understanding. Sisterly solidarity.

Your friend doesn't need to know exactly what happened - but if she did, she would be horrified at what you went through & that you are coping alone.
I won't be the only person with damp eyes on this thread OP, & I'm stranger - when you are ready to open up, your friend will really, really, want to help you in whatever way you need.

You may not be feeling very strong right now, but I can assure you that you are. Keep posting, so that you do have a bunch of supportive women who know what that brute did.
Please do not allow that bastard to make you feel "silenced". Remember - all the shame belongs to him. I'm not urging you to tell your friend right away - only you know what you can deal with each day - but I AM urging you to see her in person. She'll know something's up, you don't need to tell her exactly what, but she will give you the tea & sympathy you so need & deserve right now xx