Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

My brother is in an abusive relationship

5 replies

drpepperwhatstheworstthatcouldhappen · 08/11/2022 21:17

and I really don't know what to do anymore. He is the sweetest guy. Really kind, would never hurt a fly. He met a woman around a year ago. She seemed pretty normal, however soon emerged that she had a big problem with drugs (she hid this very, very well initially). She basically has a cocaine problem. My brother doesn't take drugs and stayed with her because he wanted to help her, and quite frankly was completely in love with her.

Long story short, she has hit him more than once, stolen money from him, won't leave him on his own, has tried to hack in to his email accounts, makes everything into an argument (he asked a woman on the street if he could stroke her dog, in front of her, and she went mad saying he was hitting on the woman - this is constant), she's broken his stuff, etc etc. She's so horrible to him, but he just won't leave. I actually work in DA services and understand completely why it is so difficult to leave, however judgement becomes entirely clouded when it's a loved one.

The abuse is not reciprocal. He does not abuse her in any way shape or form. I'm getting to a point where I can't bring myself to be in a room with her, however if I cut off contact with her, I also cut off contact with him.

I just don't know what to do. Can anyone advise?

OP posts:
BananaSpanner · 08/11/2022 21:25

Well I presume you know all of this because he’s talking to you? That’s good. I suppose you could call the police but I think they’ll be limited to what they can do unless he opens up to them. I would just listen and be ready to support when he able to make the break.

(Id also confront her over it and call her out for the bully she is but this may not be the best idea).

drpepperwhatstheworstthatcouldhappen · 08/11/2022 21:28

BananaSpanner · 08/11/2022 21:25

Well I presume you know all of this because he’s talking to you? That’s good. I suppose you could call the police but I think they’ll be limited to what they can do unless he opens up to them. I would just listen and be ready to support when he able to make the break.

(Id also confront her over it and call her out for the bully she is but this may not be the best idea).

He has stopped talking to me about it, completely. When I ask he just says he doesn't want to talk about it and says things are fine. They are absolutely not. I forgot to mention that he spoke to the police, but was scared to do the DASH in case they contacted her. He wouldn't even let them take his real name. They said they couldn't help him if he didn't give details (fair) and gave him details on DA charities and helplines. Told him he can come back whenever he feels he's ready. He wouldn't even take the leaflet out of the police station. He wants to leave I know he does.

OP posts:
NoDatingForOldMen · 08/11/2022 21:31

Start with mankind www.mankind.org.uk/help-for-victims/types-of-domestic-abuse/

And try the mens advice line mensadviceline.org.uk/

both these might give you some practical advice on how to help him

Crazykefir · 08/11/2022 21:39

Are they living together? In his place or hers? Are you sure they're not doing coke together? Not judging, but as you know drug use is associated with domestic abuse.
I guess the main thing you can do is be there for him and maintain contact.

drpepperwhatstheworstthatcouldhappen · 08/11/2022 21:41

Crazykefir · 08/11/2022 21:39

Are they living together? In his place or hers? Are you sure they're not doing coke together? Not judging, but as you know drug use is associated with domestic abuse.
I guess the main thing you can do is be there for him and maintain contact.

No definitely not. He gets drug tested regularly for work so couldn't even if he wanted to.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread