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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

How bad is this?

154 replies

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 27/12/2021 09:10

Unfortunately when I am in the situation I am finding it hard to see the wood for the trees and would appreciate balanced, neutral advice. My husband has had an anger issue, specifically from when dc was 2.5 so it's going on years.. Sad I spoke up early on, he agreed and said he would get help to stop, he has gone to therapy but not for lomg enough imo and while it is better, I am still wondering am I mad to stay and I am staying very mucj for family life as my own feelings were cut off with it all. Over those years he has kicked a whole in a door, dented a metal bin by kicking, broken a bathroom step by throwing and broken a light switch by thumping it, only the latter in last 2 years, others years ago. Unsurprisingly dc1 has issues with his own emotions and I have probably undermined oh by sticking up for dc at times so it's probably messy in general in his little head. In last 10 days he has been called a fucking brat, a horror, a disgrace and pathetic. Admittedly behaviour was dreadful in these moments but I absolutely hate the language used and it goes completely against my way of bringing up and dealing with behaviour problems.
On the other hand, husband is a hige worker at home and on in general doesba huge amount. His father was a bully to him and I know there is good in him too, which makes it harder. I also know a breakup would be very hard on dc. We have gone to counselling and probably shouldn't hVe stopped. I habe told him i think he needed more but his was very shortlived considering the issues. He has started parenting books and left them unfinished. Ds can be a real challenge with his blow ups and h doesn't lose it every time or anything like it, just to give a balanced pictute. How bad is it from the outside?

OP posts:
Weenurse · 09/01/2022 07:49

How are you going?

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 09/01/2022 17:30

Thanks for post, I was only thinking yesterday I need to update. No big update as yet but have spoken to my solicitor friend who has recommended the mediator. A lot now will fall on H being decent, though of course I know he'll be hurt and angry. I am sad that my children won't just lose the family structure, which hasn't probably been the healthiest, but they'll lose a lot of day to day things if we have to leave house.. Wrt behaviour it hasn't happened since, I believe he senses the change in me. I need to start moving closer towards it now this week.

OP posts:
Weenurse · 16/01/2022 05:10

Good luck 💐

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 27/03/2022 13:11

I haven't been able to find this tgread to update but managed it today. So we are still in the same house, different rooms and in the process of separating lives. Since the talk he hasn't done any of the name calling etc, until this morning when he told ds he makes everyone's lives miserable Sad I spoke to him about how damaging these words are and he just doesn't see it... It is engaging really. I thought he would say it was in the moment etf as he usually would, that he knows he needs to try harder etc, meaningless tho it is.. But no, all the focus was on the behaviour and thinking that would 'make him think' Hmm Anyway that is where we are at and thanks for the support at Christmas. The vision of myself on my own is stronger and tho the practicalities are taking a while, I am still content that is for the best and even then it is difficult and even then I have to check in to see if it is as bad as I think as it has become so normal.

OP posts:
HeyGirlHeyBoy · 27/03/2022 21:21

I wish it was just done. Anyone with any tips on this in between time, would appreciate. He isn't happy about it btw.

OP posts:
SophieSoSo · 27/03/2022 22:52

So basically months on, and your son is still being abused?

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 27/03/2022 22:54

SophieSoSo, not sure if you have posted before. Thanks for the reply. When we finally separate, he is still going to have ds... What can i do? He will have him for some of the week and I won't be there ro de-escalate.

OP posts:
SophieSoSo · 27/03/2022 23:01

I know it’s hard, and I apologise for the snippy reply.

I was your son, and honestly he needs to be away from this environment as soon as possible. It will destroy him.

You can’t protect him when he’s with his dad, I understand that, but you can provide a safe haven for him for the majority of the time.

I can’t imagine how the poor boy must feel knowing he has to live with his abuser day in, day out.

DragonOverTheMoon · 27/03/2022 23:02

I really really really recommend the book should I stay or should I go by Lundy Buncroft. I am halfway through it and its given me clarity on my ex h. I did leave him for his abuse but had internalised the things he told me and kept feeling I was to blame or I was just as bad. I did some of the exercises in the book today and I feel so at peace with my decision now. If you have any doubts then this book will help OP.

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 27/03/2022 23:04

Thank you Sophie and I'm sorry you have been that child. If you read previous posts you'll see I have tried to keep the family together, with the right intentions but ultimately, wrongly. I'm annoyed it has taken me so long but it became normal and it is incredible how many people minimise it. It has happened only once since Christmas and I know it would have happened much more but I was there to diffuse so it's hard to think of him without me as the calm, comforter.

OP posts:
SophieSoSo · 28/03/2022 07:49

@HeyGirlHeyBoy

Thank you Sophie and I'm sorry you have been that child. If you read previous posts you'll see I have tried to keep the family together, with the right intentions but ultimately, wrongly. I'm annoyed it has taken me so long but it became normal and it is incredible how many people minimise it. It has happened only once since Christmas and I know it would have happened much more but I was there to diffuse so it's hard to think of him without me as the calm, comforter.
That’s because you are a victim of his abuse too.

Abusers aren’t abusive all of the time, it’s easy to minimise it and question if it’s really that bad - it’s part of what they do to you.

Would your husband actually fight for contact with your son? I mean this kindly, but your son won’t see you as his protector, he’ll grow up and wonder why you kept him in this situation when you are the one with the power to change it for him.

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 28/03/2022 11:05

Thanks Sophie. Yes you are right of course. How would you speak to ds about it? Now 9yo.

OP posts:
SophieSoSo · 28/03/2022 11:10

Does he speak to you usually? Is your relationship one where he expresses how he feels to you?

It’s a tricky one, because he is very young and may panic at the thought of you leaving if you discuss it beforehand, and feel like it is his fault.

I really feel like you need to separate first then and explain to your DS why. He needs to know that he comes before anything and you will not allow him to be hurt in his own home.

That’s all you need to say - you are not asking his opinion, or giving him the heads up, you are his protector, and you are removing him from an abusive situation.

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 28/03/2022 11:25

We couldn't be closer thankfully. So you would say why it has happened. Tbh the love is long gone so I was going to just give a regular separation spiel. Obviously he will continue to see his dad. As he gets older he will be able to choose.

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SophieSoSo · 28/03/2022 11:58

That’s a really good way to do it, sorry I misunderstood and thought you wanted to be honest with him about his dads abuse.

I think it’s ok to acknowledge that you don’t like the way he makes your son feel, but that sometimes relationships don’t worry out and it’s for the best for everyone. That way your son can know it’s not his fault, but also understand that what his dad does isn’t ok and you have recognised that.

Has he spoken to you about the things his dad says and his feelings?

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 28/03/2022 12:41

Yes he has. Thank you so much Sophie for taking the time to reply.

OP posts:
SophieSoSo · 28/03/2022 12:57

Best of luck to you OP. I wish you both happiness for the future x

GremlinDolphin4 · 28/03/2022 13:15

Dear op, you are amazing and you are in the way but you’ve got to get out! I’ve literally been in your shoes and stayed too long aswell. Tell people and talk to your dcs, they see everything and they sadly understand more than you imagine. You will need to support them for a long time through this. Get some councilling for yourself too. No one should be subjected to his behaviour. Love and strength to you. Xxx

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 28/03/2022 16:56

I have had my own personal therapy... Believe it or not! Hopefully I will be able to access more. Thank you both for your kindness and moral support. The practical tips are good.

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NowEvenBetter · 28/03/2022 17:16

This reply has been deleted

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

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 29/03/2022 08:55

Your post has a horribly unkind and almost gloating tone. The opposite of supportive or helpful.

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NowEvenBetter · 29/03/2022 09:28

Supportive for the victims. My heart goes out to them, I sadly know what they’re going through.

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 29/03/2022 09:37

Well if you would like to offer any advice or support it would be much appreciated. Your post above is not helpful

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NowEvenBetter · 29/03/2022 12:43

Well obviously focus on the victims and how to help people with CPTSD cope, the impact it’ll have on their bodies, brains, common behaviours in child abuse victims and how they will manifest over their teenage years and adulthood. What sort of support and therapy they’ll need.

HeyGirlHeyBoy · 29/03/2022 12:52

Thanks. I don't think you can diagnose ptsd as simply as that but rest assured, despite my failures, I am well informed and will look after them.

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