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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

I think my OH is abusing me but don’t know if I’m going mad

314 replies

Applejoker · 25/12/2024 17:46

I don’t know where to start and I’ll try to keep it short.

My OH moved in with me a year ago; rented house and he is on the tenancy. Has only paid one months rent, I cover everything else. I work 5 jobs and don’t have any days off. Tomorrow is my first day off in about 6 months.

We had an argument yesterday as when we fall out I tell him he should move back home (100 miles away) if he’s unhappy here. He shouted at me so loudly at home to never say that to him (I think it triggers him because he doesn’t have anywhere else to go). I then left for work at 6pm and he text me about 40 times saying how horrible I was and not to come home and to think about what I’d done.

I got home at 9pm and the house was in darkness and locked up. He’d screwed a screw through the door into the frame so I couldn’t get in at all. I had no coat, my dog was in the car and it was Christmas Eve.

I drove around and managed to find some takeaway food. He kept messaging me saying horrid things and saying I was the one that caused it and that I’m controlling because I told him during the day to be careful when driving my car (he dented it in the summer and I think he’s a terrible driver) and I asked him not to walk my dog in a certain area because of livestock. He says I belittle everything he does. I don’t think I do. I just feel like I do everything so I do moan about the state of the kitchen as he just caused chaos and doesn’t clean up after himself.

I pointed out that i am supporting both of us and I can’t do it anymore and he just kept on saying how much he’s done around the house and that he always cooks (which he does and I always am very grateful) and I should take time to think about how I behave.

I continued to beg to be let in the house via text but nothing and he just kept going on about other things and about how awful I am. I was freezing cold and had to wee at the side of the road, it was humiliating. Fast forward to 930am today (25th) and he said if I was calm he’d let me back in. I have to point out I was calm the whole time, I don’t shout, I just talk and he doesn’t seem to like what I say. I didn’t sleep, I was stone cold all night.

He let me in and I went straight to the bedroom to get a blanket to warm up. He then started straight away saying am I going to be nice so we can have a nice Christmas Day etc. I said you locked me out on Christmas Eve of the house I pay for so no. It’s like he has no comprehension of what he does.

He then saw red and said that’s it, you’re going back outside. Grabbed me by both arms and tried to man handle me outside but I dug down. He pushed me to the floor and took my mobile out of my pocket (which he’s done before). It’s like some mist descends over him and it’s scary.

He got me through to the dining room and had me pinned up against the wall and then I fell to the floor and just sat in the dog bed and cried. He was just shouting at me saying he just wanted to have a nice day and how I’d ruined everything.

He then seemed to calm down so I went and laid on the bed as I hadn’t slept for 25 hours. He tried to get on the bed and then said shall we open Christmas presents. It was so bizarre. He then said he was going to cook dinner. He’s been coming in and out of the bedroom all day just pretending like nothings happened. I’ve managed 2 hours sleep.

I’ve asked him to leave but he said he’s not going anywhere as he’s on the tenancy now. I have work tonight and I’m scared he’ll lock me out again so I’m taking my dog and have packed a bag with a blanket and pillow just in case.

I work so hard to keep a roof over my head and feel like I have no choice but to leave and leave all my belongings. He scares me and I just don’t know what to do. When I ask if he thinks his behaviour is appropriate he blames me for being horrible but never actually answers my question. I then say do you think it’s acceptable to harm me and cause bruises and man handle me and he completely denies it. I feel like I’m going mad.

This is literally the worst Christmas I’ve ever had. Also, my family live over 150 miles away and the thought of telling any friends right now just isn’t an option.

I think I’m just looking for some words of comfort and to tell me I’m not insane for thinking this relationship isn’t right.

OP posts:
TwilightSkies · 25/12/2024 17:49

100% abuse! Get him out. You aren’t going insane. You deserve so much better.

ThePoetsWife · 25/12/2024 17:49

Call the police

Hugglethatmuggle · 25/12/2024 17:51

Call the police get him out.

AlteredStater · 25/12/2024 17:52

Police - you can't afford to have him there for a moment longer, it's not safe!

Balloonhearts · 25/12/2024 17:53

You need to call the police.

Tiswa · 25/12/2024 17:53

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ImWearingPantaloons · 25/12/2024 17:54

Read back to yourself what you've just written - then call the police and get him the hell out of your life.

You deserve better. A million times better.

Autumn1990 · 25/12/2024 17:55

You need to call the police and get them to remove him.
many local police forces are posting lists of organisations that can help a wide range of issues on Facebook over Christmas so that’s worth a look

Bizarred · 25/12/2024 17:57

He's abusive. Putting a screw in the door so you can't get in and then leaving you and your dog to presumably sleep in your car overnight in mid-winter? Call the police, or contact Women's Aid.

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/

I need help - information and support on domestic abuse

Not sure if you're experiencing abuse? Worried about someone else? If you or a friend need help, we are here. Learn more about our information and support.

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support

Mashroom · 25/12/2024 17:58

Oh my god op - get help this is AWFUL and he is terrorising you. Please get help and please let us know when you are safe. You poor thing - I feel so badly for you

comedycentral · 25/12/2024 17:58

Call the police, I really believe you are in danger.

SuperfluousHen · 25/12/2024 17:58

Call the police. He has assaulted you. He has exercised coercive control over you. This is domestic abuse. Get him arrested. You are not safe.

SaborDeSoledad · 25/12/2024 17:59

You must be terrified, OP. This is abusive, horrible behaviour.

Call the police.

You are 100% not insane. But this guy is dangerous.

canfor · 25/12/2024 17:59

You are not going mad. You should call in to the police tomorrow after work. Make a report of assault from when he manhandled you trying to get you out the door. Also tell them that you are afraid of him, want him to go and that he is financially abusing you. Tell them how he left you in the cold on Christmas Eve and wouldn't let you in, They will give advice on what they can do. I believe they can offer to escort him out of the house whether he likes it or not.

You need him gone OP. He has ground you down so you question yourself. He will get worse not better. His behaviour is terribly wrong and you deserve to be free of this.

SuperfluousHen · 25/12/2024 18:00

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What do you mean “isn’t abusive”??

MemorableTrenchcoat · 25/12/2024 18:01

You “think” he’s abusing you? What would you say to a friend or relative whose partner did these things to them?

OnlyHerefortheBiscuits · 25/12/2024 18:01

Shocking that you really need to ask if this is abuse.

You need to evict him from YOUR house, get the police involved, tell all your family and friends, tell your employer, tell your neighbours, cut ties ENTIRELY with him (and I mean entirely. Never ever speak to him again). and if necessary get a restraining order.

Get to work on this before the year is out.

P.s there is no shame - don't be ashamed to tell people how he behaves and why you're getting rid.

NunyaBeeswax · 25/12/2024 18:01

Leave.

I know that sounds imple, and in a lot of ways it is.

Find a place to stay, a friend, a family member, parents, Airbnb if necessary.

Don't return. Tell him he can have the house, you'll be cancelling the direct debit and as he's in the tenancy he's equally liable to pay it.
Let him know you'll be calling the estate agents as soon as they open to remove your name from the tenancy and let them know it's in his sole possession.
(Chances are he'll soon change his tune and decide to leave.. abusive cock lodgers don't like responsibility)

Also let him know that you'll be arranging with the police to escort you to collect your things and that if any of them are missing, you'll sue him for the value of them.

Then let him know you'll also be calling the police and reporting him for assault and battery as well as abuse etc.

Then, finally, let him know that any further contact from him will be considered harassment and you'll report him to the police for that as well.

....

Now, gently op.. and I mean this in the best way possible.

Your life is shit.
Sorry to be blunt.

This fucker isn't helping.
So leave it all, and him, take what's precious to you and fuck off, far away from it.
Rebuilding is a better option than staying in what you currently have.

EdithStourton · 25/12/2024 18:02

OP, contact Women's Aid.
You need him out of there.
Take key documents with you tonight if you can.

GreatGardenstuff · 25/12/2024 18:03

Yes, he is abusive. Please call the police and women’s aid to get advice before you go back to the house. You absolutely don’t deserve to be living like this.

Awaywiththefairies078 · 25/12/2024 18:04

Please please call a member of your family and let them know what’s going on because this abuse is only going to get worse. They need to be aware in case they suddenly can’t get hold of you. Then call the police. They have a duty of care towards you. If your OH can lock you out overnight by screwing the door on any night let alone Christmas Eve he can do anything.

Yuckyyuckyuckity · 25/12/2024 18:06

I think you should read your OP again and imagine a daughter, sister or best friend wrote it. Then ask yourself again if it's abusive.

Leave ASAP.

menohnopausal · 25/12/2024 18:06

He actually sounds dangerously deranged. As others are saying, call the police and get rid of him. Try and get therapy to explore how this relationship has affected you.

Seaweed42 · 25/12/2024 18:09

You actually aren't aware of the situation you are in.
You need external support and you need it now. Hopefully you have rung women's aid

Because you are in a dynamic and not recognizing the bad situation you are in.

He's not the boss of you.
He's not your Dad telling you what to do.

You need to get away from him so then you'll see the truth of the relationship.

DomPom47 · 25/12/2024 18:10

Call the police and get him out and have him removed from the tenancy - you pay the rent!!! Change the locks. If this is not possible then call some friends round and pack your things and move out. Regardless of what he says based on what you have written he is definitely abusive and dangerous. Hopefully he will be a thing of the past for your next Christmas and any other celebrations that you look forward to. Good luck.

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