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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

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

I need a place to share what’s really going on behind closed doors…

259 replies

1246aimee · 27/08/2022 00:04

Hi, apologies for the incoming download of shit but things are getting out of hand and I need to get this off my chest without the judgement and ‘told you so’s from friends and family. Things are getting so out of hand and I really don’t know what to do…

We have two children (6yo girl and 14 mo boy) and have been together nearly 11 years. The arguments started when our LG was born, mostly around money - I’m shit with it, have no savings etc so can forgive him for these early ones. However, since finding out we were pregnant again he became even more argumentative and hurtful, calling me names and screaming at me infront of our LG, like every week he’d flip because I didn’t answer his question quick enough, or I didn’t remind her to tidy the playroom.

When it came to it, I went into an elective C section with our LB on my own because he didn’t want to go in (I’m pretty sure there’s some post-natal PTSD after our daughter, he just refuses to get help).

He set up his own business 3 years ago and works 24/7 with zero help (not through lack of me trying). He’s an all or nothing man, very ambitious and has to be the best at whatever he sets his mind to. I had a full time job that I loved prior to having our son, and I was made redundant during Mat Leave - he stated that we were financially sound and that there was no pressure to find another job, so we agreed that I’d stay home and raise our family.

Now that my income is zero, the arguments are really severe - as soon as he comes down in the morning it starts. Repetitive name calling to include ‘you’re a selfish b%}h’, ‘you lazy c^t’, ‘you’re a cancer in my life’, ‘f#%k off out of my life’ etc. Each roasting like this will last on average 2 hours and the language is unbearable. Infront of our babies. I walk away from him to make it stop, but it makes him angrier. Sometimes I bite back which I hate myself for, but what am I supposed to do?? He has shaken me twice in the last 4 weeks, gets really up close to my face, grabs my face to force me to look at him, pokes me and pushes me. Arguments are mostly focused on money, and how I never organise anything for the family to do together on his days off, I don’t make him feel loved, I never think of planning nice stuff to do just us… which is true. I don’t do those things because in the past he’s always found an excuse not to go! So many cancelled dinner plans, cinema trips, lunch dates, family days out… he doesn’t seem to comprehend that when he puts me down like he does I have zero will to make him feel ‘special’ 🤦🏻‍♀️ After these rantings we’ve always moved on from them eventually, not mentioning the previous row.

Anyway, today he hit a peak during his daily dose of verbal abuse and told me to leave for my own good - I make him so angry he can no longer control himself and he will likely kill me next time. I wouldn’t say I’m scared, just numb to everything he says if that makes sense? Almost like I don’t believe him.

My family & friends know nothing of what’s going on. I have no money or savings. I have no job. I have two babies whom I love dearly - my heart knows I need to take them away from this, but my head tells me to stay - he’s super tired, stressed, over worked, lonely and all the other excuses/justifications I tell myself. I just don’t know where to go or what to do. Help please! Xx

OP posts:
EfingNora · 27/08/2022 21:19

@1246aimee well done you! Welcome to the survivor's club! I'm so proud of you right now. It's going to be difficult for a while, but believe me, from now on the only way is up! Love and strength to you and your dc.

Issummeroveralready · 27/08/2022 21:23

Wonderful news. The first step to changing the karma of your children's lives for the better (and yours). It won't be easy. But just because something is hard, doesn't mean it's not the best thing to do. Keep us updated OP. You are a warrior.

Roundthetwistyroad · 27/08/2022 21:33

Fantastic news. So brave and 100%the right thing for you and your children. Stay strong and don't let him sweet talk you back. No excuse for the way he is behaving. Lots of people are tired and stressed and overwhelmed but they don't behave like that. Well done OP. Better things ahead for you and the little ones.

Unforgettablefire · 27/08/2022 21:36

What would you say or so if this was your daughter in your shoes?
You have to leave and asap. He's threatened to kill you so the thought must be there, you really need to find somewhere safe to go.
At best you're all going to have a horrible shit life if you stay, or he's going to make those kids you love motherless.

Unforgettablefire · 27/08/2022 21:38

Nat6999 · 27/08/2022 03:02

Either he needs to leave or you do, next time he kicks off dial 999 & get him removed. If you don't you run the risk of ending up with Social Services being involved & you don't want that.

The police get ss if there's a domestic and there's kids. At least they do in my area now I don't know if it's everywhere.

Unforgettablefire · 27/08/2022 21:41

Sorry just read the update, well done! Don't listen to any of the "I'll change" rubbish they never do. Never go back you're all free now.
Good luck 💐

LookItsMeAgain · 27/08/2022 21:56

I am so relieved (as I'd say are you @1246aimee ) to see your update.

You are safe
Your children are safe.

That was the most pressing and urgent thing. Everything else will improve from here on out.

Well done you!

PyjamaDuddlejuck · 27/08/2022 22:00

Have been following this thread, so glad to hear that OP, very well done. Onwards and upwards now, but give your self time and space to grieve for the relationship you thought you had.

Lucyintheskywithrubies · 27/08/2022 22:08

OP I am so relieved to read your update. X

nocoolnamesleft · 27/08/2022 22:11

Oh well done. You are protecting your children. You are protecting your children's mother.

Lucyintheskywithrubies · 27/08/2022 22:29

OP I am so relieved to read your update. X

MindTheAbyss · 28/08/2022 02:26

I’m so glad you’re safe, OP. You’ve done a courageous thing. Very best wishes with starting afresh xx

sashh · 28/08/2022 02:34

Well done OP.

This is the start of your new life.

ebbd · 28/08/2022 04:28

Well done! I’m sure everyone else that read your post is as proud of you as I am right now. Stay safe and know you have done the best thing for you and your bubs x

Cakeandcoffeea · 28/08/2022 06:42

i am a child survivor of domestic abuse and my mum eventually ran away with us all and I’m so glad she did. The abuse become awful. My mum getting the worst but that’s how it starts. Thank you for protecting your sweet children. I promise they will thank you for it soon enough and always know that you kept them safe. I still admire my mum for it. We had a tough time but found so much love when we left that terrible man. Sending you love ❤️

stepfordwifey · 28/08/2022 06:45

Well done for getting out. It was so worrying to read your post.
Please let school know your situation. You don't want him turning up to collect your child. Parental rights means they can't stop him unless there are safeguarding concerns. They will contact the police if he tries anything.
School will also be able to offer support for your little one to help her talk through her worries.
Sending you best wishes for a much happier future. Flowers

Dery · 28/08/2022 06:57

Yes - that’s such a relief. Well done. I was also worried about you having gone quiet. As Stepford suggests, let the school know and I would also recommend talking to the police and letting them know what’s gone on so that it is all logged.

kateandme · 28/08/2022 07:39

Yerrr you did!!
So so proud of you ok.this is the first steps to weight lifted,freedom and maybe even pure joy in your future😁
Use all the people you can for suport now, for the n3xt whole you'll find kind of shaky.your emotions in waves. Don't give up.and DON'T LET HIM play games now.now is the time for steadfast grit.he will I think go dirty. Piss that right off and keep going.and always tell yourself I can westher anything because I did the right thing.its as simple as that.

pinkyredrose · 28/08/2022 08:50

Brilliant news!

NotVacant · 28/08/2022 10:00

You are at serious risk. Leaving is also a period of increased risk for women. Speak with an agency like Women’s Aid who can help you think this through and support you to be safe in any action you take.
Not only are you a victim of this abusive behaviour but so are your children who are witnessing this. Sadly, if children’s services got involved, the focus would be on your parenting. They would need to be confident that you are a protective factor, making the safest decisions for your children.
Your confidence and self esteem must be so impacted. I hope with support you are able to take action to keep you and your children safe. You have somehow found the strength to keep yourself and your children safe so far. You will find the strength to take the next steps. www.womensaid.org.uk/about-us/contact/

NotVacant · 28/08/2022 10:05

I didn’t see your update before my response. Glad to hear you’re safe. Still think about contacting Women’s Aid or your Health Visitor etc for advice and support about what happens next. Well done and all the best.

Runki · 28/08/2022 13:37

I am so relieved to hear that you are safe with family. Have been worrying about you. Thank you for updating us as I know I haven't been the only worried one! You are a brave and amazing person for doing this as it must have been so frightening to do this. Does he know where you are? I really hope he doesn't. As others have said, it would be a really good idea to tell the school and the police, in case he turns up where you are (if he guessed you are with family and knows the address) or at the school. Please look after yourself and again, well bloody done. So so pleased you have got away from this man. A step towards a better life, free of his tyranny. Take good care.

BluOcty · 28/08/2022 14:55

You are so brave, your new life starts here. I hope it's filled with joy and happiness from here on in.

CoffeeLover90 · 28/08/2022 15:58

@1246aimee Just word of warning, from someone who left, came back, left again, back again... his next step will be 'I'm sorry, it took losing you to realise how wrong I am, I've changed, blah blah' It's a load of shit. The person you saw at the end is the real him. He won't change, they very rarely do. If you go back don't think you can reach out for help again for fear of feeling foolish. If you go back it'll be worse as he'll have something else to throw at you. Try and stay strong and stay away. Still contact a DV support service, they can advise on restraining orders and housing and everything in between. Well done on taking that first leap, it'll get harder from here but better in the long run.

Ladybyrd · 28/08/2022 16:03

@1246aimee Just word of warning, from someone who left, came back, left again, back again... his next step will be 'I'm sorry, it took losing you to realise how wrong I am, I've changed, blah blah' It's a load of shit.

My experience was we first had the "you'll come crawling back you fucking bitch, you always do" stage. Hundreds of messages that gradually turned to "are you ok? I'm so worried about you", and then finally the begging stage. These "men" are utter scum and you cannot fix them. Get a solicitor though and get your ducks in a row. If he threatens you again, call the police.