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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

Words of encouragement needed for soon to be single mum leaving abusive partner

7 replies

BeautyWithin6 · 10/12/2023 14:22

Hi all I guess I need some words of encouragement??
I've held off for a year but my relationship is becoming unbearable.
For years I asked my partner to spend time with me, especially at bedtime I tried suggesting one night a week he come to bed the same time as me around 9.30 so we can cuddle, chat etc. He could only manage this a couple weeks then it felt like he was pissed I'd set rules. But the other 6 nights he could stay up late in his shed. After years of asking I gave up, he has slept on the couch over a year. We haven't had sex in 9 months. We have a mortgage and a 2 and 3 year old.
I have holes in my bedroom door from him punching it in when I was 4 months pregnant with my second child. He's grabbed my wrist and held it behind my back whilst I had my then baby on my hip, leaving bruising. I've out of frustration thrown a pot plant at the back door once and he's retaliated by dumping a whole plant and soil on my head.

We haven't had a physical altercation in about 6 months now but verbally it's terrible. He doesn't abuse me in a way where I'm walking on egg shells cowering from him. It's literally from arguments over standard issues, money, tiredness kids being a handful plus we are no longer intimate or close. He in the last 5 days has called me a cut and a slt infront of our kids, today he called me a fuc*face. He stays up late in his shed then is tired all day and then he's grumpy and doesn't play with the kids. It infuriates me so I have a go at him, then he calls me names and slams doors.
I'm beyond done with this.

I know renting is really hard ATM, I have no family to stay with, I am starting mediation but I don't know if he will attend. I would prefer to buy a small unit once we sell our home but I'm scared I won't be approved. I've spoken to brokers etc for advice. I'm just so worried I don't want to end up homeless but I don't want my children thinking this is normal. I'm not wanting to get police involved. I need to tread carefully as his dad tried to commit suicide and the swat team were called to his home when his mum tried to separate. I'm worried he has ptsd from that and I don't want him doing anything that would affect his ability to be a father as they need their dad too.

OP posts:
GrazingSheep · 10/12/2023 14:24

as they need their dad too.

The last thing they need is a violent abusive man.

CeciledeVolangesdeNouveau · 10/12/2023 14:25

OP, you are doing the right thing.

Definitely call the National Domestic Abuse helpline and possibly get in touch with local Women’s Aid?

Bananalanacake · 10/12/2023 14:28

Well done on seeing you need to leave and doing something about it, once you are free the relief will be amazing.

CeciledeVolangesdeNouveau · 10/12/2023 14:29

Sorry, somehow managed to post before I was ready.

People like your GP or CAB may be able to provide extra help.

It doesn’t sound like you’re at the stage where you need to run away in secret with one change of underpants, but it sounds like you’ve put up with much more than you ought to have. You’ve got your children to worry about and you need to put yourself first for that reason, even if you can’t find others. Witnessing DA is horrible.

If you have friends and/or family who could act as supports, as well, get them on board. If they know or have guessed anything about the abuse, they’ll be relieved and not imposed upon.

Best of luck and thinking of you.

Lili132 · 10/12/2023 20:05

OP speak to woman's aid. They will be able to advise. There is help out there.

BeautyWithin6 · 12/12/2023 10:44

This is nor what I meant I don't need womens aid. I wanted people who are /were single mums stories of how things improved, what they did for housing and if they have found healthier relationships since etc etc

OP posts:
Purpleraiin · 12/12/2023 14:22

Keep going OP it's worth it! I had my eldest child when I had just turned 17 and his dad became physically abusive once we found out I was pregnant. Just turned 18 I woke up one morning and decided I'd had enough, packed my sons and my things while the ex was at work and we left. I've never regretted it! Luckily I had the option of going back to my parents house but other than that I had no support from anyone.
I'm now early 30's and I do look back on my life and how it panned out after leaving (especially relationships), I've come to realise I was very dysfunctional and no doubt damaged by what he did to me but at the time I really couldn't see it.
Things have worked out for me now and I'm sure they will for you too. My biggest regret was not recognising my own issues and getting myself some help/therapy sooner. If this isn't something you have in place already then its the thing I'd recommend. You may not realise yet the affect this relationship has had on you and I'd hate for you to be in my position, slowly causing destruction to your own life and it taking you 10+ years to twig on that something isn't right.
You are doing the right thing so stay strong and stick to your decision, defiently make sure you have help in place for your mental health though Evan if you believe you're fine

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