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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

Boyfriend came towards me with a knife.

87 replies

Toastybeans · 14/01/2024 17:55

I’ll try to cut a long story short here….

I'm 29, I have twin daughters (9) and I have been seeing someone now for a year. We both have our own homes, and he has a child from a previous relationship.

I recently found out that I’m pregnant even though I take the pill regularly. however, my cycles are all over the place due to eating problems in the past, and I have have gone up to 8 months without a period in the past (which definitely wasn’t pregnancy related).

I also have a cervical polyp, which I found out about a few months ago, so based on these things combined, and being on contraception, I presumed my chances of falling pregnant were low.

After taking a test a couple of weeks ago, and getting a positive result, I was gobsmacked. I told my partner right away and his initial response was to just ‘get rid of it’. I was a little bit taken aback, as even though it’s not an ideal situation, his bluntness just shocked me. I said ok, and I had a consultation last week, and I’m booked in for a scan at the clinic on Tuesday, and then due to proceed with a medical abortion.

However, I’m having doubts. I’m not 100% sure I want to terminate this baby, I already feel protective towards it and I’m just not sure which path to take. I haven’t made my mind up, and I don’t know which way to turn. I feel guilty, ashamed and scared.

Anyway, this weekend I thought I’d tell my partner how I was struggling and what I was feeling, as my children were with their dad.

He proceeded to go ballistic and all hell broke loose. He repeatedly told me that there’s no fucking way we’re bringing a baby into our situation because it’s too soon, he shouted whilst pointing at my stomach ‘if you want to keep it you can but you’ll never see or hear from me again’, as the argument progressed he told me to fuck off (I was at his house) and never come back, and then screamed and’you can get rid of that, I’d be surprised if it was mine anyway’.

I proceeded to try and reason with him, and clam him down. I told him I never said I was definitely going to keep the baby, I just feel conflicted and I just wanted to discuss it with him have he’s the only one I can talk to (no one else knows).

He just kept screaming at me saying that I’d trapped him, that I’m playing mind games with him, that I’m messing with his head, he doesn’t understand what’s changed etc. He said he wants it over with and if I kept it to not come after him for any money or anything because he’d want nothing to do with me or it, he’s got enough going on at the minute with work, problems with his and now this.

At this point I just mumbled ok, and said I wanted to leave. He locked the door, wouldn’t give me the key, continued to argue with me saying I didn’t give a shit what he wants or how this is affecting him. He said it’s alright for you you’d be quite happy to bring the child up on your own because you’re already a single parent. I tried to explain that it’s not just cut and dry for me, there are thoughts, feelings and emotions that I’m feeling and I can’t help it.

I then said I’m going home now I’m leaving, and he proceeded get in my face, saying ‘ go on hit me ‘ I said no and he grabbed my arms, I said to get off and then he proceeded to pick a chefs knife up, point it towards my face and screamed ‘I’ll tell you what I’ll do myself in you little bitch’ and then held it to his neck. I just stared at him in bewilderment, and then he threw it across the room.

He threw the key at me and screamed at me to ‘get out and never come round or speak to him again’.

In a panic, I grabbed the key,
opened the door, slammed it shut and ran to the car. As I was walking down the drive he opened the window and shouted ‘fuck off then you little bitch’.

This was early hours of the morning and I just got in my car and drove home and sobbed. I didn’t know what to do. I haven’t told anyone about this. I’m shook.

I recorded the argument on my phone, because I had a feeling it was going to get heated. He can lose his temper very quickly at times. I tried to broach the subject last week and stopped in my tracks because of his reaction.

I just don’t know where to go or what to do from here. I feel so worried. No one in my family knows I’m pregnant.

He text me last night as I drive off saying ‘drive safe, night’ and today he has text saying he’s sorry…. But I’ve never been spoken to like that before… and sorry just isn’t good enough.

Im sorry for the rant, i just needed to get this out.

OP posts:
DiegosMomHasGotItGoingOn · 14/01/2024 18:28

Comedycook · 14/01/2024 18:03

Tell the police

Terminate the pregnancy

End the relationship

Get on with your life with your dds

You do not want any ties to a man like this....for the sake of your existing children if nothing else.

Sorry to be blunt

This response nails it and I was going to write the same myself.

StopStartStop · 14/01/2024 18:29

What to do:
Report the whole incident to the police. This man is dangerous to you and potentially to others.
Give serious consideration to going ahead with the termination. Normally I wouldn't be so sure, but you don't want that man in your life for the next eighteen years.
Move house. Don't give anyone your new address. Change your surnames, you and your twins.

Dotty87 · 14/01/2024 18:29

I hope he's now an ex? I fully understand how hard a termination is, having been there, but for the safety of yourself and your existing children I would seriously go ahead. Don't tie yourself to him for the rest of your life, and please consider how he might behave towards you if he realises you actually intend to keep the baby. How far would he go to stop that happening?

whattodo22222 · 14/01/2024 18:30

Don't ever have contact with this man again. He sounds like exactly the type to murder his pregnant partner in a fit of rage.

I don't usually pass opinion on whether or not someone should terminate their pregnancy but, in your shoes, I would want to protect my existing children by completely cutting ties with this man. Sadly I think I would choose to terminate to make a clean break from him. I'm sorry you're going through this 💐

PieAndLattes · 14/01/2024 18:30

He’s a dangerous man - proper dangerous. I’m not bullying you (as someone above suggested we were doing) but if you keep the baby you will be tied to that man for at least the next 18 years. You can’t have that hanging over you and your daughters - not for your safety or their safety.

Alloftheskies · 14/01/2024 18:32

And can I just say that if you want to keep your baby you should do so but make sure you have gone to the police about this and any incidence of violence as you do not want this man trying to access the child in the future.
My friend kept a baby I'm similar circumstances and it was very hard at first, he tried to gain contact in order to further abuse her. However now it's 10 years down the line, she married a lovely man and left the area. Her son thinks of her husband as his father and there's been no contact with pos bio dad for 9 years. So just to put that out there that it can go well... it was horrific for her the first year tho I will say that. Due to the violence he was only granted supervised access via a contact centre which he quickly fucked up by sending abusive notes back with the child... so access was removed.
Honestly it sounds in your case like he wouldn't even try to have access at first anyway and if he ever did over time they won't start with face to face they build up via letters and cards and then a few hours supervised etc etc.. and it takes patience and time.. which it doesn't sound like this guy has at all so tbh I wouldn't be too worried..
Anyway what I'm trying to say is you should make the choice that's right for you. Perhaps that is termination but don't think you have to terminate even if it's not what you want..
But you do have to be strong and keep this violent man away from you and any children.

Toastybeans · 14/01/2024 18:35

Thank you for so many responses in such a short space of time. I also apologise if some of my initial post didn’t make sense, I was rushing to get everything out of my head.

Just to clarify… he didn’t threaten to kill me. He did point a knife I my direction whilst in my face… then turned it round put it to his neck and said ‘I tell you what I’ll just fucking do myself in shall I?’ - I am in no way trying to minimise anything here, I’m just clarifying.

I’m well aware that the way he spoke to me and what he did last night was appalling.

Hes only sees my children on the odd occasion, I split from their dad in 2018 and it’s taken me ages to introduce them to someone new. I didn’t want to rush things. I have always been present when he has been around them.

I usually see him when they’re in bed, or when they’re at their dad’s house or out with grandparents, I’ll go to his place.

He does not have a key to my place and cannot gain access, I live in a right knit community so I don’t think he’d come round here.

His job requires him to be extremely patient and understanding. He’s self employed, so when I initially saw him lose his temper a few months ago I was shocked at how volatile he could be. He had a lot going on at the time, so I presumed it was related to a build up of stress.

If I don’t speak to him at all…. I have a feeling if I go through with the termination he’ll turn up. He’s aware of the time/place… because he insisted on taking me when I initially told him I’d booked it. I have just felt pressured into making a split second decision since the minute I told him. He was angry that i had to wait a while for the appointment and told me to ring back see if there were any other clinics which could do sooner, and that he’d ’drive me 8 hours in necessary to get it done’

In terms of the police do I call 999? I’ve NEVER been in a situation like this so I don’t even know where to start. What do I report the incident as? I do have the recording where he’s screaming/shouting but what can be done about this.

I feel so deflated right now. My hormones are all over the place so I’m emotional anyway, but I genuinely just want to sit in a dark room and cry.

Also, I just wanted to add, that since going back on the pill since starting a sexual relationship again, my periods have become more regular (at one point I wasn’t sure they’d ever return after a previous ED), but I have a lot of bleeding inbetween, which I assume is due to the polyp perhaps?

Thanks again in advance for any advice.

OP posts:
Alloftheskies · 14/01/2024 18:38

Call the police on 101 to report what happened. But obviously if it happens again and you are afraid at the time then call 999.

StragglyTinsel · 14/01/2024 18:39

if you are currently safe, call 101. You don’t need to know what to report it as - just tell the officer what happened and how scared you are.

Also tell them you’re scared he’ll turn up at your termination appointment.

Do think very carefully about whether you want to be tied via co-parenting to this aggressive and violent man.

Bobbotgegrinch · 14/01/2024 18:43

Just because he didn't threaten to kill you last night, doesn't mean he won't.

Anyone who did what he did yesterday is capable of hurting you badly. He purposely tried to terrify you so that you'd go through with a termination under duress. If he's willing to hurt you like that, then he's capable of hurting you physically.

Dotty87 · 14/01/2024 18:47

He may not have said the words, but actions speak louder than. His intentions were absolutely clear, you're not safe with him.

StragglyTinsel · 14/01/2024 18:52

Block him on your phone - and any other way he might contact you or see what you’re doing.

Tell your family that he’s been violent and abusive. Tell your friends.

It is absolutely OK to just cut contact with a man who has behaved like this. No need for discussion or communication. Let the police communicate with him about his abusive behaviour.

Pumpkinpie1 · 14/01/2024 18:52

You are trying to minimise his actions OP. This man is dangerous. You need to report him to the police now and tell your family what happened.

Alloftheskies · 14/01/2024 18:54

It's also maybe a good idea to ring the clinic where you are booked in and explain what happened and ask to rearrange your appointment or have it in a different area.. if you think he may turn up there because he knows about your appointment. Sadly they will be used to stories like this and they will understand. So they will accommodate you so that you are safe. Might also be worth looking into the counselling the offer regarding termination as then you will have someone to talk thru your feelings with.
Just do not be ashamed in openly talking about this. Its very sad but very common that domestic violence escalates around pregnancies.
Also if you do decide to keep the baby it's important there's documentation of what went on and the risk to you. So just logging it with the police and your healthcare providers would be very helpful. You may need that in the future if he continues to be a threat to you (I mean hopefully he won't hopefully he'll just fuck off like he said he would)

StragglyTinsel · 14/01/2024 19:03

Absolutely. The clinic will be very used to these kind of situations (sadly) and will be able to advise, support and signpost you to other services if you need them.

Let them know and they will help.

Tinkerbyebye · 14/01/2024 19:04
  1. you go to the police
  2. you block him on everything
  3. you decide what you want to do about the baby, he doesn’t get to dictate
Cherty19 · 14/01/2024 19:07

This man is dangerous and you need to report him.to the police, the same thing happened to me with my ex he threatened me with a knife and was convicted for it in court. I already had a child with him when it happened my child was already one years old then and as much as I love my son its not easy being tied to an abusive man I.will be honest with you in fact it was a living night mare for a long time thankfully he is no longer in my life but there's still always that worry, your circumstances might be different because he don't want to be involved and may not even meet the child but he could change his mind about that so if you do keep the baby do not put him on the birth certificate no matter how sorry he says he is.

Hubblebubble · 14/01/2024 19:19

If you do keep the baby, you could always tell him you terminated and move to a new area.

livelovelough24 · 14/01/2024 19:25

Dear OP, you seem like a smart and reasonable women, so I am not sure what this post is all about. Did you come here just to share, which is perfectly fine and pls do, do come and share, or did you come here to ask for advice? What happened to you was horrible, really bad and totally inexcusable. I would most definitely report this to the police, block him from your phone and social media. As for the child, it is totally up to you if you want to keep it or not, but you should accept that he will not take any responsibility for it.

I hope that you are not considering staying in this relationship. This man is a psychopath and you and your kids should stay away from him. Please note that nothing you told us that man did or said is normal or socially acceptable. Take care.

Toastybeans · 14/01/2024 19:35

I have no intention of staying with him.

He’s shown his true colours as far as I'm concerned and there’s no coming back from this.

I just needed to get it off my chest and seek some advice about it all.

OP posts:
CeciledeVolangesdeNouveau · 14/01/2024 20:05

You’re doing the right thing. Stay strong OP and we are here for you.

HenndigoOZ · 14/01/2024 20:39

Yikes! He sounds so dangerous. I would not have even hung around to try and reason with him and calm him down after he had gone ballistic. I would have left immediately, blocked him and reported the incident to the police. Your children and family come first and it’s not your job to explain things to him just right so that he calms down.

Needanewnamebeingwatched · 14/01/2024 21:15

Comedycook · 14/01/2024 18:03

Tell the police

Terminate the pregnancy

End the relationship

Get on with your life with your dds

You do not want any ties to a man like this....for the sake of your existing children if nothing else.

Sorry to be blunt

This

It's just not worth being tied to this man a moment longer.

He will kill you one day

2Old2Tango · 14/01/2024 21:21

crumpet · 14/01/2024 18:04

I do agree with this

Me too

Namechange666 · 14/01/2024 21:44

If you value your life, never ever go back to him. Please I'm begging you. That's one of the most vile things I've ever read and I'm not so easily shocked these days.

Tell the police what he has done.

If you keep the baby then keep it but do not put his name on the certificate and never have anything to do with him again.

How could you ever trust him after what he said to you? He's actually mental and vile.