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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:
lifeonmars100 · 26/12/2024 12:16

He's dangerous, I know it is hard to break free when you are caught up with a man like this but he needs reporting to the police and removing from the house and then you will hopefully have the head space to start planning for a life without him. I haven't read the other replies, I was just so shocked by what I have read so typed this straight away. I am sure the vast majority of replies will be similar to mine

Plastictrees · 26/12/2024 12:21

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Absolutely. How tedious.

Your advice is spot on.

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 26/12/2024 12:28

He's abusing you, and part of you is aware of this, or you wouldn't have titled this thread as you did. Being aware is the first step in getting away from him. Go for it.

FoolishHips · 26/12/2024 12:50

The thing that always worries me about these posts is that your next partner could still be very abusive but you won't recognise it because this partner is so ridiculously abusive and you're still doubting yourself. Even 5 percent of this would be abuse.

You need to get rid of him and spend the next year glued to Dr Ramani videos.

SerafinasGoose · 26/12/2024 12:52

Applejoker · 26/12/2024 09:11

Thank you everyone. I’m now turning off notifications. To those who are worried please know I am absolutely ok and safe. I am today driving home to my family and likely will not be returning. I’d rather have zero possessions and start again than keep going through this cycle.

Thank you all though (except those who said I was winding them up - I hope you never experience this). The support means more than you’ll know and I’m forever grateful.

Thank you Mumsnetters.

I'm a latecomer to the thread so have jumped straight to your updates, OP, but am relieved to read this.

Yes, the behaviour you describe in your earlier posts is indeed gaslighting. It's intended to make you question your grasp on reality and even your own sanity. It's one of the most insidious, cruel forms of abuse there is. The only good news is that once the scales have fallen from your eyes you'll be able to see it coming from a mile away. You're aware now of the tactics and no one else will ever take you in in the same way again. (Ask me how I know).

I agree that it's safer to cut your losses and leave everything behind than be in this dangerous environment again. Your now ex is a violent, manipulative, gaslighting abuser. You are not safe to be around him; men like this only escalate.

It's good that you have your family around you as leaving an abusive man can be the most dangerous time, especially as they come to realize their hold over you has been broken. I don't want to scaremonger but do be vigilant. The merest hint of any trouble and you should call the police immediately: don't hesitate or even stop to consider the consequences for him. He chose these; no one else.

You've just given yourself the greatest Christmas gift ever: your freedom. Wishing you nothing but the best for your future. Flowers

Porkyporkchop · 26/12/2024 13:00

This reply has been deleted

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my goodness , what do you consider abuse ?!! This is physical, financial and emotional abuse with coercive control. He has put his hands on op and is financially abusing her but not contributing and then locking her out of the house she pays for.

leave immediately OP, you are not safe.

oakleaffy · 26/12/2024 13:07

FoolishHips · 26/12/2024 12:50

The thing that always worries me about these posts is that your next partner could still be very abusive but you won't recognise it because this partner is so ridiculously abusive and you're still doubting yourself. Even 5 percent of this would be abuse.

You need to get rid of him and spend the next year glued to Dr Ramani videos.

Agreed- Far too many women are attracted to violent men and have serial abusive relationships.

Was on public transport recently and two young mothers were talking about life in a domestic violence refuge but one of them has a new male partner already -

Just WHY??

Far too risky.

mainecooncatonahottinroof · 26/12/2024 14:40

@Applejoker if you are still reading, please, please with the support of your family, go to the police. You have to report this man. He is truly evil and will want to exact revenge when he realises you've left him. You also need to protect yourself in terms of your property.

Do not ever see him again. Best wishes xx

froggybiby · 26/12/2024 14:53

I am glad you are going to your family but please 🫂 follow people's advice on here and report him...he could get worse towards you or someone else but also, regardless of the material things. You don't want to be liable for bills / rent either as if your name is on the contract and you have been the main payer. Thinking of you 🤗

ThatRareUmberJoker · 26/12/2024 16:19

MemorableTrenchcoat · 26/12/2024 09:47

It’s a housing association assured tenancy. You can’t just “re-start” it.

It's a private tenancy op needs to contact the landlord so she is not liable for unpaid rent.

Yellowcakestand · 27/12/2024 00:44

Please report this, just be brave and go for it. In was the first in a line of people to call the police and press charges for assault. He got found guilty. Following this 2 more reported him to police before the 3rd reported and he was sent to prison.

Please be brave for yourself and also the others ahead. If you call and just log it, it will show up on a clares law if anyone checks him in the future xx

GraciousMe · 27/12/2024 09:39

Hope you've woken up feeling safe and supported today @Applejoker.

Wishing you every strength to get through the upcoming days and weeks ahead and that you find the support you need to report this. Please re-read the posts by @WarriorN if nothing else - absolutely spot on to quote Giselle Pelicot - this is not your shame.

YourAmplePlumPoster · 27/12/2024 15:49

Hope your nice little dog is OK too and not too stressed. Animals pick up on these things.

Papillionbleu · 02/01/2025 10:19

Hope you're doing better Op, so glad you went to family.I hope you keep away from him now and 2025 is really a positive year for you.
I kept thinking of you working all those jobs, and that dickhead not appreciating you.All the best for 2025.

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