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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

At my wit's end

24 replies

Simplehappyzen · 31/10/2022 19:52

I have a 17 DS who has ASDzl, diagnosed aged 4. Has always attended mainstream but suffered horrendous bullying at high school. No behaviour issues but does have high anxiety.
He is mostly ok but can get upset over the smallest things which I am used to dealing with and dispelling before they become massive. I've been married for 11 years to "D"H and he isn't his biological dad.
There has always been a degree of jealousy I feel from DH towards my relationship with DS and it can be difficult to negotiate between the two of them at times.
This evening DS asked for take out pizza for tea. He told me what he would like and so I ordered via a delivery service. Huge panic ensues as he'd forgotten to ask for garlic bread as well. I calmed him down and said not to worry as the order had only just gone through and I called the shop and added it on. Whilst doing this, on seeing DSs panic, DH starts mimicking DS and makes crying noises.
DS got really really upset as he heard them too and said to me that he felt so let down especially after being bullied badly at school.
I'll admit I lost it and challenged DH who denied doing it.
We both heard him, we are not mistaken. Currently upstairs trying to calm down 😭. Have I overreacted?

OP posts:
Shittytittybangbang · 31/10/2022 20:07

No, you haven’t, neither has your son. Partner is a prick. What do you do now that your home is not your son’s safe place?

Gevrgrgrtv · 31/10/2022 20:09

tbh I think your husband mocking your autistic son is pretty abusive
it isn’t fair for him to have to live around someone who treats him like that

gamerchick · 31/10/2022 20:12

My son has ASD and if my husband or his dad.. or anyone did that to him I'd rip out their spines tbh.

He's denying it because he knows he's shown his contempt for your bairn. Your bairn needs to see you stick up for him. You're his safe person and currently his home isn't his safe space.

MsDogLady · 31/10/2022 22:28

”Perhaps my biggest issue is how he picks at my son.” Your words in May about this horror of a man.

@Simplehappyzen, any bully who humiliated my child in his own home would be shown the door pronto.

You constantly run interference when controlling H unreasonably nitpicks DS. An example is his criticizing DS for going to the toilet too often. Although you do read H the riot act, the damage is already done when DS has already heard and internalized the contemptuous comments.

In addition to abusing DS, H abuses you with his oppressive, coercive demands. You say he is sucking the life out of you.

No housework you do is good enough. When you hoover or clean, he will redo it as soon as he returns from work before even taking off his coat. He doesn’t like you to cook or bake, as he won’t abide the kitchen getting messy, and urges you to prepare only microwave meals. He also looks for and wipes the tiniest specks off the walls. He always has to monitor what you’re doing, so endlessly calls to or finds you upstairs, and phones while you walk the dog.

You have a chronic condition that is exacerbated by stress, so you work PT. Concerned posters urged you make an exit plan by researching your financial and housing options. I believe you had started that. As of July, you were still staying part-time with your dad (began in pandemic) to help support him. This additional stressor has also been taking its toll.

@Simplehappyzen, this latest occurrence of abuse of your vulnerable son is truly beyond the pale. Staying with this cruel, despicable man is now untenable.

KettrickenSmiled · 31/10/2022 23:11

Whilst doing this, on seeing DSs panic, DH starts mimicking DS and makes crying noises.

Ditch the fucker.
I mean it OP. This is totally, totally unacceptable.

And it's not a one-off is it?
He is jealous, of your beloved, vulnerable son.
Your son has had no choice but to accept a "difficult to negotiate" relationship with a man in his home - the home that should be his safe space.

In what other ways does your H's unpleasantness to him manifest?

KettrickenSmiled · 31/10/2022 23:15

Blimey.
4 responses, & 3 of them, independently, talk about DS's safe space.
And @MsDogLady's recap is hair-raising.

You have to get your boy & yourself housed away from your H OP.
You need to protect him, & yourself too.
When can you go & see a lawyer, to find out how you would stand financially from a divorce?

ProFannyTea · 31/10/2022 23:18

Married 11 years? Is this the only incident of this nature? I mean you say it's been difficult to negotiate at times but has there been mocking and bullying before? Ending an 11 year marriage over a single incident may seem a slight over egging of the pudding on the surface but just have far has this gone throughout the 11 years? Yes you need to be clear you know what you heard and that it never happens again but is this really divorce worthy or child abuse? Only you can decide that.

Notimeforaname · 31/10/2022 23:21

Hes a prick and a bully.

Maray1967 · 31/10/2022 23:27

This is beyond contempt. I’d tear a strip off my 14 year old if he mocked someone like that. Stand up for your son and kick this bastard out.

Geppili · 01/11/2022 02:13

Jesus! Your husband is, indeed, a bullying prick.

Simplehappyzen · 01/11/2022 03:57

Thank you to everyone who has replied. My DS and I have come over to my dad's home and are currently sharing the spare room. I am going to make an appointment in the morning in order to gain some legal advice. I hear what everyone has said and have honestly taken it all on board.

There's no way my H will leave the home. He put down a very big deposit and pays the mortgage. I am however on the deeds and it's a joint mortgage. He most definitely sees it as his house.

He has also just received a big inheritance which is in his sole bank account. We don't have any joint bank accounts. He also has a good pension income each month along with a salary. I am financially vulnerable due to my chronic health condition in that I can only work part time. I'm hoping that once I see a solicitor things will seem much clearer regarding finances.

I feel sick to my stomach about the future but know that I need to protect my DS and will do everything in my power to do this.

OP posts:
BCBird · 01/11/2022 05:15

My thoughts are with you. U do need to protect your son and also u. Your husband is not a good person for either of you to be around. You deserve better.

Wallywobbles · 01/11/2022 05:25

Just be aware the inheritance isn't yours.

MintJulia · 01/11/2022 06:34

Maray1967 · 31/10/2022 23:27

This is beyond contempt. I’d tear a strip off my 14 year old if he mocked someone like that. Stand up for your son and kick this bastard out.

This. Your husband is vile. Well done for taking the decision.

Simplehappyzen · 01/11/2022 06:49

Thanks again for further replies. I've not slept hardly. My head is spinning but I know this has gone on long enough and it's stopping.
I've been looking at rentals for the short term. Can't believe the prices but I've also done an online benefits calculator and it's manageable.x

OP posts:
Shittytittybangbang · 01/11/2022 19:48

Hi,
I haven’t read all the threads but have seen most recent ones where he is trying to keep the money, nouse etc for himself. It’s tough on him then, as you are married EVERYTHING including separate accounts and pensions ar 50% yours! Make sure you take photos of all documents asap. Good luck!

Simplehappyzen · 01/11/2022 23:44

Just an update...I've an appointment tomorrow with a family / matrimonial solicitor to start the ball rolling. Still camped out at my dad's house and have two rentals to see on Friday. Thank you all for your replies and advice.

OP posts:
Maytodecember · 02/11/2022 00:49

At least camped at your dad’s your son is safe from your h bullying.
If you’re married the house is a joint asset, you could be entitled to part of his pension. The inheritance is probably his alone but a good solicitor will be worth their fee.
Good luck, this man sounds awful and you’re well rid. I hope yoyr DS is more relaxed at your dad’s.

Simplehappyzen · 02/11/2022 00:58

@Maytodecember yes my DS is much happier here at my dad's 😊

OP posts:
Apileofballyhoo · 02/11/2022 01:08

I love hearing your DS is feeling happier.

blisstwins · 02/11/2022 01:08

Gevrgrgrtv · 31/10/2022 20:09

tbh I think your husband mocking your autistic son is pretty abusive
it isn’t fair for him to have to live around someone who treats him like that

Really awful of your husband.

blisstwins · 02/11/2022 01:09

Simplehappyzen · 01/11/2022 23:44

Just an update...I've an appointment tomorrow with a family / matrimonial solicitor to start the ball rolling. Still camped out at my dad's house and have two rentals to see on Friday. Thank you all for your replies and advice.

Should have read more—very happy update. Best to you and your son.

MsDogLady · 02/11/2022 01:46

Fantastic update, @Simplehappyzen!

KettrickenSmiled · 02/11/2022 08:39

He has also just received a big inheritance which is in his sole bank account. We don't have any joint bank accounts. He also has a good pension income each month along with a salary.
😂😂😂
Shameless gloating by proxy ...

His windfall could not have been better timed. Serve the piss-taking bastard right.
Are you aware of the sum involved, & do you know which bank his sole account is with? Your lawyer is going to want to see proof of it, plus the pension documents.
Don't worry if you can't access them - so long as you are aware they exist, your H can be legally obliged to disclose the details.

Well done on getting out to your dad's, & for getting a march on with the lawyer appointment.

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