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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:
lisaandalan · 06/01/2022 08:38

Claim universal credit too at least you will have your own money too. X

Lalliella · 06/01/2022 08:47

I am so sorry you are going through this OP. Your husband is a vile abuser, he has abused you physically, emotionally and financially. You will look back on this in the future and see you are well rid of him. Unfortunately you have to get through a horrible period now. PPs have suggested all sorts of help for you, and I hope you get the help you need and support.

It seems to be not uncommon that a man having an affair and breaking up a family tries to make it appear that it’s not his fault, and that’s what your husband is doing in blaming you and being horrible to you. It’s an evil and cowardly way to behave. I think for your own sanity you should have as little to do with him as possible, try to cut contact as much as you can.

And it’s not his decision as to when to divorce, and whether or not to sell the house. You need some legal advice.

And definitely report the rape and the assault. He’s wrong in saying it wasn’t rape because you initially consented. It’s your body, you can withdraw consent at any time. He really is an evil bastard. I’m so sorry this is happening to you Flowers

Luckyducky75 · 06/01/2022 08:51

@FrolickingFannyBoots

Thank you so much for this advice. He says that because I consented initially, it is not rape.
Darling consent can be withdrawn at any time, it doesn't matter if you initially consented. Please call women's aid and a solicitor, you do have power here and they will help you find it xxx
CornishGem1975 · 06/01/2022 08:51

I agree with everyone else, he is abusive and you need to take control of your situation, however hard that might feel. You don't need his permission to start a divorce, you can file it online this morning.

General advice is not to go for adultery unless you have concrete evidence - you have to be able to prove his penis went into her vagina which is very hard to do. A lot of solicitors advise against it. If you can't do that, and you know he won't admit to it, I would go down the unreasonable behaviour route - you only need a couple of reasons (one of them can be his affair) and honestly, you've got dozens of examples.

bluelemming · 06/01/2022 08:53

Sending you loads of love OP. The advice you've been given here is excellent. The whole of MN has your back. You are not alone.

Outlyingtrout · 06/01/2022 08:58

You can report the rape and also the assault where he threw the bottle and caused you injuries. You still have photo evidence of that which hopefully will help. He will accuse you of doing it all for revenge, lying etc but you do not need your abuser’s permission or validation in order to report their abuse. Of course he will minimise, deny and accuse. DARVO tactics. The reason it’s worth reporting now, even after some time has passed in the case of the bottle incident, is that you are now in the position where this man is going to potentially have unsupervised contact with your children and where he has massively increased his verbal and emotional abuse, and is attempting to control you financially (dictating where you live and when he will be entering the home without your consent) and you need the protection of the law. It isn’t tit for tat malicious reporting. These are things he has done and you now need protection. Be very confident in your right to seek justice.

As for the “never loved you, been unhappy forever, shouldn’t have married you, you were emotionally abusive” bullshit, that’s what they all say. My SIL’s husband said the exact same when he left her for a younger woman he met at work. It’s the way they justify their actions to themselves and alleviate their guilt. It allows them to detach themselves emotionally from you so that they can trample all over you and take what they want guilt-free. SIL is now extremely happily remarried and her kids have decided themselves to go NC with their dad having realised one by one that he’s an abusive arsehole. They are completely free of him.

Please don’t send any more messages appealing to his better nature or begging him to consider the mess he’s left you in with your health and the house etc. He has completely switched his brain off from your needs and his responsibilities towards his family. He is so invested in the rewritten version of your relationship that he’s invented, it’s impossible for him to now sympathies or empathise with you at all. You are the enemy to him. You need to speak to a solicitor and get some proper advice. You need to completely prioritise the needs of yourself and the children because he is going to make things difficult for you at every turn.

Dasher789 · 06/01/2022 09:02

Good luck op. Get legal advice. It will be tough but you will come out the other side stronger. Dont let him manipulate you

Frymetothemoon · 06/01/2022 09:03

OP, your story is strikingly similar to what a friend is going through right now.

He had an affair, walked out, came back for sex, left again, put all the blame for the breakdown of the marriage on her, accused her of turning the children against him, tried to give "orders" about what she could and couldn't do. House is in a state. He has also stolen money.

He's like a different man (and I've known him 30 years). When I speak to him, he's delighted, everyone is happy, his mother loves OW, the kids love OW, the kids are thrilled about their bedrooms in his new place. He seems to be in total denial.

It's been around 6 weeks for her I think. What's helped her the most has been getting legal advice (someone to fight her corner and who will not take his bullshit) and reporting a number of incidents to the police.

YOU can file for divorce, when YOU want to. He is not in charge, YOU have rights. You are also stronger than you think.

I know it's really tough right now, but you have Team Mumsnet behind you. Keep coming back and good luck!!!

Iwonder08 · 06/01/2022 09:05

You need a lawyer. Not mumsnet. Call them today and find out exactly what are you entitled to. You would be amazed how this knowledge will empower you in your communication with this man

ArabellaScott · 06/01/2022 09:06

Flowers OP. I'm so sorry.

This organisation are recommended by Woman's Aid.

rightsofwomen.org.uk/

For legal advice.

StrifeOfBath · 06/01/2022 09:08

OP, I am so sorry.

He has behaved horribly and is blaming you rather than take responsibility. I know it is hard but actually you will probably quickly feel stronger if you are not looking to make things OK with a man who has obviously been having a long running affair. It saps your spirit and self esteem to live like that.

However bad your situation, and I can see that from where you are sitting now it feels desperate, he is not the one who can or will help you. Asking or hoping for his help or understanding or sympathy will just sap your emotional energy further.

He has caused this hurt, he is not the one who can rescue you from it.

You are!

Great suggestions from pp who have been through this.

When my Dad left my Mum many years ago and I was a teen, she was very upset and she didn’t hide that from us. She allowed us to comfort her without slagging him off to us. She drew us into a team: how are we going to be strong and love each other, snd run the house? We took in various jobs, it made us feel grown up, as if we could do something and therefore less out of control.

Can you talk to your children about how you can be strong together?

ArabellaScott · 06/01/2022 09:08

Actually, sharing their page of useful links as there may be other things on there that could be helpful:

www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/useful-links/#1448370430318-b8a7171f-9c1f

Marshy86 · 06/01/2022 09:13

Hi Op,

Just reiterating what a lot of others have said about legal advise. I would also tell him communication is to proceed via text/ email only you will not be answering any more calls from him, check all of his paper work before he comes to collect and copy anything that you need. Also get a molestation order so that you can restrict access to the home, you don't want him just turning up as and when he wants.

Yummypumpkin · 06/01/2022 09:21

There is such a lot going on in your message.

I'm going to advise you prioritise. There is too much going on here for one person to cope with.

Prioritise what you want for your life going forward:

For example this might be:

Do well in the job
Stop the emotional harassment from him
Agree financial settlement

Pursuing a rape or assault charge might not be in your best interest. It doesn't practically get you anywhere. Or you may feel.it is essential for your peace of mind.

My point is...pick your priorities and focus on those.

For each write it down on a piece of paper and start adding what this means

Eg. You refuse phonecalls and texts from him. Come back and ask for advice on each point.

He's wrong about the house. The courts will decide. So he can huff and puff. It's irrelevant.

Finally, this is over. Accepting that and understanding you are not obliged to talk to.him, co-operate with him, and who he sees now and what he does is not your true concern (because you are focused on your goals) is going to be so important.

Daenerys77 · 06/01/2022 09:22

Rape would be difficult to prove in these circumstances, but there are actions you can take in civil law to address the immediate problems. See a solicitor. You can get an occupation order and a non-molestation order to keep him away from the house. You don't need his consent to start divorce proceedings. And the divorce court has many powers, including forcing the sale of a house.

Livelovebehappy · 06/01/2022 09:23

Absolutely awful OP. Ive been there. 20 years, two teens, and an affair with someone he had met whilst abroad with work. Had a total personality change, and did things I never thought he would be capable of. They re-write history and focus on creating a version of your marriage which you will find unrecognisable. This is to justify their bad behaviour. Now’s the time to get tough. Take control of the situation - it’s good that you have a job, so you’re financially independent from him. Let your head rule now, not your heart. My mistake was initially focusing on trying to get him back, instead of focusing on fighting to get what me and the DCs needed to survive. See a good solicitor - many do free initial consultations. Find out your rights regarding the home being in his name. He may think it’s his, but it’s not. Make sure before he returns to claim his things that you gather as much financial info as possible, as no doubt he will have been planning this for a while, and you need to get ahead with getting info about his earnings etc, and his assets and pension. The DCs are old enough to decide on contact with their father. Be guided by them, and just make sure they are aware you will not make it difficult for them to contact him, and the choice is theirs. They may need time to come to terms with the situation, but your DH cannot dictate to them as to whether they see him. Their choice. And lean on family and friends. They got me though it. You’re in panic mode at the moment, but work out the practicalities, finances and see a good solicitor, and things will seem better. I’m not going to lie, you’re on the start of a very bumpy road, but stay strong OP. 💐

HugeAckmansWife · 06/01/2022 09:26

Another voice of experience echoing what others have said, apart from the bit about changing the locks. Unless it's different in Scotland you can't do that. It's his house too legally. However, you can pack up all his stuff, put it by the door or all in one room. He has no reason to be there, mooching about. The kids don't want to see him and are old enough to make that clear so don't get involved in that. Two most important things are : get the legal advice and do not listen to anything he says about what 'will' happen. It's not up to him. It really isn't. If you possibly can, get yourself back teaching and earning money. Supply if necessary. Theres plenty of demand. You need to feel that you can survive independently of him. Good luck.

LadyPropane · 06/01/2022 09:26

Lawyer lawyer lawyer

Good luck OP

Tricked2003 · 06/01/2022 09:31

Please stop listening to "what he says".

Do not engage with him.

Get legal advice.

Take back control.

AudTheDeepAndCrispAndEven · 06/01/2022 09:33

OP, if someone asked me if I wanted a cup of tea and I said yes, but then they poured it over my head. Did I consent to that? Of course not. As countless pp have said take back control. Stop engaging and start planning your wonderful new life without this awful man.

billy1966 · 06/01/2022 09:34

@FortunesFave

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.

OP

Please call Womens aid and Rape Crisis.

You were raped.

You poor woman.

He has previously assaulted you.

You are well rid of this man.

Now get support.Flowers

oldstudentmum · 06/01/2022 09:35

I could have written your post @FrolickingFannyBoots

I will give you the advice of the things I did.
Get a universal credit claim in today.
Inform council he has left - council tax
Phone CMS they will waive the fee as you r a victim of domestic violence, you don’t need proof to give them.
If u have a low income u can start the ball rolling with divorce on line.
The children are old enough to decide when if they want to see him.
Ignore calls from him greyrock , keep repeating all interactions between you need to be via email.
Good luck xxx

3scape · 06/01/2022 09:38

He cannot dictate terms in any situation. Let alone one where he has already left the house. Get a lawyer. Get a lawyer. Please.

You CAN change the locks, you do it (just the tumblers from a DIY shop). Don't mention it but have a key "for him" just be akward about giving him the key and delay delay. He's not the only one who can play the bloody minded game. Make sure when he does pick up stuff you have someone there with you (this also can prevent him realising you've changed the locks). Re the lock thing you just lost your front door key didn't you.

You have plenty of reasons to divorce him. You do NOT require substantial proof. The violence, the emotional distance, walking out, failing to support finances or give adequate warning, abandoning his children with no concern for their well being. Intention to make you all out as soon as they are 18. Not the actions of someone taking Responsibility - definitely sound reasons for divorce. His dictative attitude and emotional cruelty compound that.

Sidehustle99 · 06/01/2022 09:39

Talk to the police about the rape/coercive sexual abuse.
Talk to a solicitor/lawyer about your options re divorce and claiming you half and none molestation order.
Talk to your GP about support (counselling etc)
Talk to Womens aid about counselling for abusive relationships.
Look after yourself and protect your space.
Your DC do not have to see your STBEXH given their ages if they don't want too - it's their own choice. You do have a say on the frequency though.
Claim UC (you may be entitled to income and housing elements) and Child Benefit. You may also be entitled to free school meals - income related.
If your heath problems are severe you may be entitled to Incapacity Benefit - talk to GP.
Find your anger and use it to protect yourself. Stop letting him dictate everything - it's your rules now. All you need to do is stop answering the phone to him.
Be kind to yourself Thanks

teaandchocolate1 · 06/01/2022 09:40

What an absolute arse. Take him to the cleaners. It's time for you to fight back.

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