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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

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:
persisted · 25/12/2024 18:10

You might not think it, but you do have options. He just wants to make you think you don't. You have the power to make this stop.

Tell everyone, your friends and family love you and will only want to support you. None of this is your fault. Please read that again and believe it.

Pack a bag, call the police. Is there anyone you can talk to at work? A neighbour? I can tell you I would let someone sleep on the sofa in a heartbeat if they were in this situation.

Mirabai · 25/12/2024 18:11

You’re in immediate danger OP. Call the police.

(If he gets to you before the police arrive dial 999 and if you can’t speak dial 55)

Once you’ve seen the police, call NCDV on 0800 970 2070 and get an emergency injunction to prevent him coming back to the house. (They need a recent police report so get the crime number).

commonsense61 · 25/12/2024 18:11

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

AdviceAdvice123 · 25/12/2024 18:13

Mirabai · 25/12/2024 18:11

You’re in immediate danger OP. Call the police.

(If he gets to you before the police arrive dial 999 and if you can’t speak dial 55)

Once you’ve seen the police, call NCDV on 0800 970 2070 and get an emergency injunction to prevent him coming back to the house. (They need a recent police report so get the crime number).

Yes, this.

OP this is not only abuse, you are in serious danger. You need to ring 999 for the police. Now.

RaveToTheGrave1 · 25/12/2024 18:13

Oh babe this is so scary honestly, you need to get him out!

Wolframandhart · 25/12/2024 18:16

AlteredStater · 25/12/2024 17:52

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

This. This is a police job.

nonbinaryfinery · 25/12/2024 18:19

That is a NASTY piece of work you've got there. Get rid of him as soon as humanly possible. He is a parasite.

CombatBarbie · 25/12/2024 18:21

Most definitely police, you'll give a mini statement and then he'll be arrested, held and bailed.....and he can't be bailed to your house (currently going through this myself). So he will need to be bailed to a friend or back in his home town.

My husband used similar tactics and is being charged with Sect 1..... the most serious DA one.

rainbowruthie · 25/12/2024 18:22

You poor love, this is all horrifying. So much great advice given already, so I will just say that I am holding you in my thoughts Flowers

Shetlands · 25/12/2024 18:24

Another poster here urging you to phone the police and have him removed. You're in a dangerous situation and you can't see it so please listen to those of us who recognise that danger and want to protect you.

Shushquite · 25/12/2024 18:25

I would:
1st check my rent agreement
2nd hand in my notice for my rent
3rd report the assault to police and ask them about local support available to help you get out.

Here2talk · 25/12/2024 18:26

This is one of the saddest things I have read. Please leave. Things are replacable you are not.

bowlingalleyblues · 25/12/2024 18:27

Yes this is serious abuse. Don’t go back home while your partner is there, this is dangerous.

Can you call domestic violence support, you can get help to leave safely and advice and someone who cares and will listen … if you aren’t ready to phone the police please get some support.

If there’s one local friend who might get it, see if you can meet them or stay with them and if they can call for you. I would 100% do this for a friend.

Ughn0tryte · 25/12/2024 18:27

"and the thought of telling any friends right now just isn’t an option."

It's unlikely that you're going to change anything immediately if you have no safe space to go to/sleep at.

Here's a suggestion for confiding in your friends; try contacting them with concerns for HIS mental health. Say that he's acting out of character (he is, he's not the person you likely introduced to them) and it's putting you in a position where you're vulnerable. You need somewhere as a back up until his GP looks into things more closely but since it's the Christmas period, it's a bit of a time away.

Remember, Alzheimer's, urine infections, brain conditions such as some tumours, diabetes, strokes, anxiety etc ALL create changes in behaviour of the patient. You need to put your safety first (cold, his abuse) but you're unlikely to approach friends for help if you can't share what you went through last night. This is another (temporary) angle and the information shared is limited.

Another angle, speak to management at one of your 5 employments. You can discuss the DV but if you're not interested in disclosing to employers, just see above for ways round it. You're unsure if the locks have been changed, you and your dog need a back up plan. Etc.

I wouldn't return to the property at night alone if he is there. He could escalate.

Dery · 25/12/2024 18:30

OP - please call the police as soon as you can. This man sounds incredibly dangerous. The police should come and remove him.

mumda · 25/12/2024 18:39

I am concerned for your safety.

Tell someone.. the police for starters but pack a very quick bag and leave. Go.

PrawnofthePatriarchy · 25/12/2024 18:44

He has assaulted you. Once that first boundary of physical violence has been broken it can only escalate from here. Next time he could kill you.

Take this very, very seriously. Report him to the police. Show them your post. We're talking financial abuse, coercive control and assault

indecisivewoman81 · 25/12/2024 18:52

Please call the police and get him removed from your home. Tell your friends/family and landlord and get the locks changed.

This is abuse

HomeCookingWannabe · 25/12/2024 18:54

Jesus how is this even a question. Obviously get tf out of there. I would have been gone after the first paragraph where he's a dirty freeloader, nevermind the rest.

Cannot imagine how this is even up for debate for you. Why would you put up with it?

ItOnlyTakesTwoMinutes · 25/12/2024 18:54

I really think your in danger and you need to call the police.

Northernbrightlights · 25/12/2024 18:55

I think you need to start making some wise decisions. From your other thread you've got a husband in prison, and now you're tangled up with this abusive man. Get him removed by the police, then do the Freedom Programme.

RosieLeaLovesTea · 25/12/2024 18:55

100% this is abusive behaviour - contact women’s aid asap
i wish you good luck..

MaggieBsBoat · 25/12/2024 19:00

He’s done a number on you. He is abusing you and you desperately, with urgency, need to leave. Leave him, the house, whatever. The thing keeping you there is you and your Stockholm syndrome. He is horrendous let this be the last terrible Christmas.

MarvellousMable · 25/12/2024 19:03

Please leave now and take your dog with you. Don’t leave that dog alone with him, even for just 30 seconds.

buttonousmaximous · 25/12/2024 19:04

Call the police and have him removed, tell them what he has done. Get the locks changed quickly, ideally get someone to stay with you. And get him taken off the tenancy.

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