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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

Husband left me and my teenage children on New Year. I have no idea what to do now. (Content warning: concerns sexual abuse and domestic violence)

345 replies

FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 05:39

Hello all lovely ladies on mumset, I really really need some help in a crisis situation please. I have no one to turn to at the moment and am totally alone.

The day before New Year, my husband of almost 20 years walked out on us and went to his parent's house. He has been having an emotional and possible sexual affair for some time I believe and I was suspicious for two years. Typical middle aged man, younger woman scenario. I am 50 and she is early 30's. She has been after him for more than a a year now and has moved moved down to London from Glasgow to be near him. He helped her move here and is now involved
much more closely.

He has become cruel, unkind and heartless toward me, speaking with a different voice, sending me authoritative emails about when he is returning to collect his things and stating that he is not going to divorce yet. The house is in his name and he says he will not sell. I simply do not recognise him and my kids are absolutely devastated.

Last month, we were buying gifts for parents and friends together in a antique shop. He bought a Molton Brown Christmas bauble saying it was for his mum. I thought it was odd as he has never been interested in toiletries. Later that week, I found that and the same set of hand creams he had bought me in a bag with pants, new ladies black t shirts and socks by his desk - I knew it was a bag packed to go to this woman. She is Polish and works in IT. They met at a mutual friend's wedding in the Czech Republic in 2019.

Before he left last week, I tried to reason with him to save our marriage. I consented to sex ( it's been many months ) but he then basically rammed my legs open, shoved himself inside me, had an orgasm. He came out, turned over and went to sleep. He hurt me. he has never done that before, but because i initially consented to help keep him at home , I cannot claim rape .The next day he said he had angry sex, that he had used me and taken advantage of me. I wish I had recorded this!

He has now kept on and on texting me with accusations of my emotional abuse abuse in arguments; throwing lots and lots of text messages etc at me from the past. He has recorded all out arguments and sent them to me as evidence. But they actually show even in 2018 that I was asking him about our relationship and how unhappy I was. He never replied to the issues I raised properly. I admit I have behaved badly in arguments and shouted but never threatened him in any way.

Last year, he hit me with a bottle after a row which was thrown across the room and caused me extensive bruising all across on my arm, a large hematoma and significant pain. I did not press charges. He says that I am the abusive partner due to my verbal bullying. I do have photos.

He now states he is leaving me but not my children. He tells me he does not love me, never has and wishes he never married me. He is demanding to return to the house after leaving last week to see my 3 teenage kids aged 14,16 and 17. They do not want to see him.

He says he will come back, see them, collect his things and go back home to his mum and dad for good. He is insisting on a trial separation and will not divorce me until he is ready. That he will keep
me in in our family home ( an area I really don't like or want to stay in) until my youngest is 18. He is dominating every conversation and interaction we have now. He refuses to respond via text most days and calls me instead when convenient for him. He has suggested that the come home at weekends only and stay at his mums during the week. \he says he will not come home again to stay as I am forcing him into a relationship again where he will be abused by me verbally and I'm a bully. He says alternatively I could leave. Yet just last week he was out with me going for a long walk and a take out coffee.

I have nor slept or eaten at all well since he left. In November, 2019 I just started a new job full time in education after a 17 year break as a stay at home mum. About 2 weeks into this, he started telling me I was awful, how wanted to leave and goaded me every day stating he no longer wanted the relationship and that he was leaving. I ran off on the day he told me day last month and went to my local woods to walk, think and had a drink to calm myself down after he stated he was leaving. He said if I did that again he was leaving.

I believe he has been planning this exit for a long time with this woman. He says he is as his parent's house. I have begged him to come home but he says I am controlling and manipulating him.

I do not know what to do. Should I file for divorce? He is saying that he will work at his parents and come up weekends to see the kids and help with the house but has left me. I do not think that this is helpful as he will be with this woman while I am alone. He is very evasive about the relationship and tells me nothing about it. He has been very secretive for months and months. I was so suspicious- I tried every thing to get evidence.

He wants to wait for the no fault divorce but I do not. He has been so so awful to me and rude every day since I started work. I have a large abdominal hernia and separated abdominal muscles. I need
significant surgery plus have diagnosed mental health conditions and am in in NHS therapy. I am quite weak. He is younger, no health problems. l I live in a small town with no support. I cannot drive and he has taken the car. I have nothing now. I am on compassionate leave from my work as I am trying to help support my children and am too distressed to work in school with the stress. he says I should just go to work as get on as normal.

If anyone could provide me with some advice I would be very grateful. I am at a total loss. I can barely write and it's been a few days now. This man has blind sided me, although I was very suspicious,. He has abandoned me and the children taking no responsibility.

He is just blaming and accusing me saying its all my fault. He will not return and says if he comes back he comes to see the kids and then will go back to his parents. I have no family to help or friends, I am alone here. I had no notion that he would leave like this, he has clearly been encouraged and prompted by this woman to leave me and built up to it He says he wants divorce later but no decision has been made. My two elder kids are in their final year of exams- my son Year 11, daughter Yr 13. This is so so stressful for them but they don't see the long term consequences. He says he will never be reconciled to me ever again.

I have £600 in my account and that's it. Should I apply for a divorce? What should I do ? I can't have him here just waling back in and dominating me. He has said that if he stays, he will have sex with her and then come back regularly after 3 days. He then asks me if I am in love with him and talks about our cats. He is expecting me to just carry on as normal while he leaves me with no support or help with my physical problems. The house is in need of real repair and renovation, it's in quite a state and he's just left me with it here in a poor condition,. I cannot run it alone with no notice. I have stated all this to him in texts but he ignores me.

Sorry this is long. I am desperate. I have no money, no car, friends of support, My job is minimum wage due to my physical problem of my hernia stopping me working in my old career as a teacher. My DH has literally upped and gone and turned into this awful awful man who now thinks I'm scum. He is so rude to me now and just exopect me to continue as normal without him. He told me he said in his mind- "just one more row over something small and that's it" Yet he is now making me go over and over all out rows from 4-5 years ago. I gave up my career, my health and life to move to Kent from London to facilitate his life. What should I do? Should I cut contact? I am just devastated by this.

Thank you for any advice. I really appreciate it.

OP posts:
FortunesFave · 06/01/2022 05:50

So sorry you're going through this. Listen carefully...

He is abusive
It doesn't matter that your name isn't on the house - you're married, it's half yours
You can press charges for the rape
You can do that and also apply for a non molestation order which will mean he cannot enter your property
You need legal advice asap
And you MUST report the rape.

Sparklfairy · 06/01/2022 05:54

If you bump this in a few hours more people will be along with better experience/advice than me, I'm so sorry you're going through this.

It's very common for cheating partners to rewrite history, they never loved you blah blah, and abusers project onto the abused, pretend you were the abuser etc.

Initial thoughts are you need to take back control. He doesn't get to solely decide when you divorce, when he comes to visit the kids, when the house will be sold. You can have some power if you take it back. You mustn't let him walk all over you and call all the shots, as difficult as the situation is.

The children are old enough to decide if/when they want to see him, but it shouldn't be in the family home.

Get angry. The man you married has gone and seems hell bent on making your life as miserable and difficult as possible. The sooner you accept that he hates you, the sooner you can gather the strength to fight. God knows it sounds like you'll need it.

Weenurse · 06/01/2022 05:57

I am sorry this is happening to you.
Use the time, with him out of the house, to find all the paperwork you need to see a lawyer.
Remember you are paying for legal advice and not a shoulder to cry on, so be clear and concise.
DH has left you with 3 DC in marital home. What are you entitled to in terms of property and pensions? The examples you have given mean you can file for divorce using his behaviour as the reason.
Then think about what you want. ( being clear that having him home again is not an option)
Do you want to sell your house and have a fresh start in a new home for you and DC? Do you want to stay where you are?
Going back to work will help with your mental health and bring some normality back to your and DC lives.
Good luck 💐

FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 05:57

Thank you so much for this advice. He says that because I consented initially, it is not rape.

OP posts:
Boboparadise · 06/01/2022 06:00

He sounds absolutely awful OP and you are well rid although I am sure it might not feel like that just now. His new lady friend has all this to look forward too. Stay strong and concentrate on starting to get the legalities in order. I am not surprised your children do not wish to see him.

FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 06:02

I do not think there is enough equity in the house to provide two homes. He says I must stay here until the kids are 18 and I cannot file and sell up. I have 2 in their final year so need to stay here for a while. Yes I want a fresh start away from this area. I am trying to be brave and strong for my kids as much as I can. Thank you for the messages of support. I am confused if I should report the coercive sex as rape.

OP posts:
LaBellina · 06/01/2022 06:03

He is a vile abuser and he’s trying to gaslight you into accepting his ridiculous demands.
Don’t fall for this.
Gather every kind of evidence that you can get your hands on. Write down all the memories of the abuse and create a time line. Report him to the police for raping you and fysically abusing you in the past. Phone women’s aid for practical help and get legal advice.

It’s time to put yours and your DC’s interests above anything else. What he wants doesn’t matter anymore. He is your husband only on paper. In reality he is behaving like an enemy and you need to emotionally distance yourself from him and fight for what is rightfully yours. Keep the children out of it as much as you can but don’t lie or cover for him. His actions have caused this situation not yours. Wishing you the best Flowers

LaBellina · 06/01/2022 06:05

Also, his new love interest will be next but she doesn’t know it yet…this type of men never change and you’re well rid of him.

FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 06:06

My girls say they will never see him the same away again. He just blames me as we have drifted apart. The reasons are complex but I had no idea he would do this. Thank you, I will see a lawyer but I have no money except to file for divorce. I am in so much shock. I have a traumatic background too so I am trying to hold it together. I did want to press charges for my arm injury in 2020 but let it go as I thought it would not happen again and things would calm down. Than nk you everyone for your advice.

OP posts:
FortunesFave · 06/01/2022 06:09

@FrolickingFannyBoots

Thank you so much for this advice. He says that because I consented initially, it is not rape.
Of course he says that. He would wouldn't he?

Report it. His new woman's face will be a picture when he's arrested. And he deserves to be arrested OP....it's not just you getting back at him. He's a rapist. He needs to be held accountable.

pompomsgalore · 06/01/2022 06:11

I think you normally get a free consultation with a solicitor so book an appointment and see what they advise.

You are in shock now but eventually you will celebrating at getting rid of this hideous man. Try to focus on you and the kids.

Do you have any family or any friends anywhere?

treesandweeds · 06/01/2022 06:11

Has has left you, not the children. You should let him see them, he is still their dad, they are his children too.
Plan living apart for now, immediate necessities, divorce can wait until things have calmed down.

FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 06:11

I will think about the rape and non molestation order. 2 years ago he got us 60K into debt and didn't tell me. We are on a DMP and have limited funds. What a nightmare this is....

OP posts:
Wombat43 · 06/01/2022 06:11

Get shot of the arse hole.

You can have a chat down Cab to get everything talked through, then see a solicitor.

See if you can find any paperwork, financial stuff, etc. Put your personal documents somewhere safe.

FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 06:12

Sadly no, I have no friends or family to help- just one or two people I can talk to such as my daughter's godmother.

OP posts:
FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 06:15

Yes I will do CAB - I will see them today. I will try to get my ducks in a row. Never thought he would ever do this- seems like he's planned it for a long time. Yet says it is all me and told me that everything I have ever done is wrong, That he cares for me but never as in love with me. Says that I am going to end up divorced like my mother and sister. Great.

OP posts:
miamiibiza · 06/01/2022 06:18

I'm so sorry to hear this. It's awful.

Check which benefits you'd be entitled to, you could start the claim today as it can take a few weeks to set up

Rainbowqueeen · 06/01/2022 06:18

Put in a claim for cms immediately
Make an appointment with CAB to see what benefits you are entitled to

Gather together all the financial information you can. Ask womens aid for a list of solicitors in your area
Stop talking to him other than about the DC and do that by text or email. Simply don’t respond to communications about anything else.
Call the samaritans for a friendly ear if you need to.

You will get through this and you will be happy again.

Keep posting, we are all supporting you

FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 06:18

Initially I agreed to sex and then he just went into me and stood at the end of our bed next morning saying he had taken advantage- it was angry sex and he was leaving. I assumed I can't report it and I don't want to make this worse or him think it's revenge. He really was truly awful when he did that, first time in 20 years.

OP posts:
FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 06:19

Yes thank you Rainbow Queen for your support. It's lovely to hear :)

OP posts:
pompomsgalore · 06/01/2022 06:21

Claiming for universal credit is a good idea and something you can do today. Claims can't be back dated so the sooner you make contact and start the claim the more money you'll get.

Are you not close to your mum and sister? Are the near you?

FrolickingFannyBoots · 06/01/2022 06:22

I think I will get some rest now as I have not slept all night -again.

I'll return to this thread later today so I'm not ignoring anyone! I really appreciate all the advice and care. It is keeping me strong today. xx

OP posts:
pompomsgalore · 06/01/2022 06:22

Also I second written communication only so you have everything as evidence. Do not answer the phone if he rings.

Londonnight · 06/01/2022 06:23

I am so sorry you are going through this. You will be in a state of shock at the moment --- but you need to get back control. Do not listen to anything you husband says. All he will want is for things to go his way.
See a solicitor ASAP to find out what your rights are. Make sure you write everything down about your life together. As you are married and for so long you are entitled to stay in the house, again it doesn't matter that it is just in your husbands name.
Ring universal credits to see what you are entitled to. You may well be entitled to help. Do not rely on your husband for anything.

These men change their history and like to make themselves look the "good guys" to others. They don't like to look as though they are in the wrong as they don't want others to see what they are really like. So for them, it is easier to blame the wife, rather than say they have been having an affair.

Also, you were raped! It doesn't matter that you initially consented, you can say no at any point.

Please look after yourself, your husband will be. Think only of you and your children.

I have been where you are now after a long marriage and it is hell going through it. But you will get past it and be stronger for it. Good luck.

StopStartStop · 06/01/2022 06:23

Your pain is very clear from your opening post.

Firstly, you are not at fault. He is a bad man. Any other reasons why he has behaved as he has, they don't matter at all.

I see you are thinking of reporting rape - do that, if you can.

Stop asking/telling him anything. Let him wonder what's going on.

Make an appointment to see a solicitor, as soon as possible, about the divorce. Yes, you have to divorce him, if you want to move on from this. Don't agree to anything at all that your now-ex suggests, or dictates, about the future.

Forget his woman. She could have two heads, four arms and a chicken up her nose, if her legs were open he'd be there. Men are sometimes undiscerning. Whatever he's said, done, given to her - give it no mind, block it. You'll soon not care at all.

Keep posting. MN can be very supportive.