Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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:
TotteringonGently · 25/12/2024 20:51

OP are you ok? Please let us know you are alright. This is 1000% not your fault, you must go to the police. Please don't sleep in your van. Sending you a handhold and a wish that your next Christmas might look radically better than this one 💐

JustAboutHangingInThere · 25/12/2024 20:51

You know he’s abusive, you don’t need 4 pages of comments to tell you that. This is not a good relationship for you. Make a plan. Get out. You deserve better xx

Applejoker · 25/12/2024 20:57

Thank you all so much, I can’t keep up with comments and replies but I know someone asked about my work.

I work 5 jobs because 2 of them are self employed and the others I get no sick or holiday pay. My OH has even said I should go and get myself a ‘proper’ job so that I’m at home more. My STBX husbands crime meant that I had to start again and I won’t be getting anything from our divorce despite putting my life savings into our marriage. It’s all very messy and I think I’m to blame for putting myself in this current situation, I moved too quickly. I think he just love bombed me and I got caught up after having an horrendous time.

The money I earn just covers all my bills and rent etc, the dog, car blah blah blah. I have no disposable income so not working is sadly not an option for me as I need to keep the wheels turning on everything.

I get great comfort from all of your comments as he has honestly made me feel like I am the problem and maybe I am too nit picky. But then even if I was, that doesn’t warrant his behaviour at all.

OP posts:
Dotty87 · 25/12/2024 21:01

There's so much good advice here already, you need to get yourself and your dog away from him immediately before he kills or seriously harms you.

If the estate agents can't or won't change the tenancy agreement, you can give notice for the both of you, he doesn't need to consent.

Get your important belongings, ID/documents, sentimental items out of there and into storage if you have to, stay in an air bnb or with family while you get something more permanent sorted out.

BellissimoGecko · 25/12/2024 21:07

Call the police, tell them everything, ask him to leave.

He's financially and physically abusive.

InkHeart2024 · 25/12/2024 21:13

You don't need to worry about the tenancy agreement now, you need to report him to the police and they will arrest and bail him not to come to the property for 28 days which will give you time to make a plan. Police, as soon as you finish work please!

Darkdiamond · 25/12/2024 21:16

Also, sorry but can I give some context? The other day my husband annoyed me. I was a bit snappy and he said 'is everything OK?'. I said no it's not, you really annoyed me about xyz and I don't thunk it was very respectful'. My husband said 'sorry, you're right, that did look disrespectful and I should have bla bla bla'. I said sorry for being snappy and that was it, we hugged and moved on. He didn't try to drag me outside for 'being horrible' or lock me out of my home or do anything spiteful, and I was very snappy that day.

Your OHs behaviour isn't normal!

KiraNerys1 · 25/12/2024 21:17

Seriously you need to get away from him, or we will be reading about you in the papers soon.

Bizarred · 25/12/2024 21:19

I am nitpicky possibly, but my DH does not lock me out of the house all night or send photos of ronseal woodstain to threaten my belongings with, nor does he pick up plant pots to chuck through my car window at me.

You are not to blame for any of this.

Wonderi · 25/12/2024 21:21

Is there anything tying you to the area?

If not, I would genuinely consider moving far away, perhaps closer to your family and support system, and taking your name off of the tenancy and bills.

You cannot kick him out if he’s on the tenancy.
He lives rent free and has a vulnerable partner he enjoys bullying.
There’s no way he’d leave.

I would move away and have a fresh start and don’t let any man go on the tenancy after only 1 month again.

WingingItSince1973 · 25/12/2024 21:33

Dear OP I'm begging you please please goto the police. I promise you hand on heart none of this is your fault. You are being abused and need to talk to someone and get support and get rid of this low life nasty piece of work. I never ever get involved in peoples relationships but you are being treated absolutely terribly. You are worth so much more. You do not deserve this treatment. No one does. All my love. Please keep in touch on this board so we can be here for you xxx

unsync · 25/12/2024 21:33

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Are you on glue?

PoisedGoldBiscuit · 25/12/2024 21:48

OP, please do the following tonight:

-Report this to the police, this needs to be on his record and will hopefully flag up any previous behaviour of a simar nature. It also means they can put a priority alert on your number if you call them again.
-Tell friends and family. I know this feels like failure, I know you may not want to tell them in case he manages to 'sort himself out', I promise you that he won't and this will 100% escalate. I know you may not want to 'bother' anyone with this tonight, but if I knew you, I would want to know.
Please keep yourself safe OP, I'm worried about you even parked outside, he does sound unhinged 😟

FormerlyPathologicallyHappy · 25/12/2024 21:54

He’s escalating the abuse and you’re both in danger.

A woman in my village put up with DV for years then he slashed her throat and left her to bleed to death.

Belongings can be replaced. Let people talk if they want to but I doubt they will if they love you. Sounds like he knows how to trap a woman & I bet if you contacted the police he’s got previous.

JustMyView13 · 25/12/2024 22:01

Echoing the comments from others on here.

But I’d like to add, this isn’t your fault. (Please read that sentence again if you need to).

You are talking about the behaviour of a grown adult man. He is fully in control, and if he is that unhappy - he could leave at any point. It’s not about happiness, it’s about controlling you. He sounds vile, please do take the advice of others and contact the police. His name on the tenancy doesn’t change your right to safety in your own home.

And again, this isn’t your fault. Men like this know exactly which cards to play, and when. If he’d revealed his true character on that first date / encounter, he’d have never made it this far. It’s the gradual ramp up, that leaves you doubting yourself and questioning. This isn’t your fault. Stay safe.

EdgarAllenRaven · 25/12/2024 22:11

I am also worried for your safety. He sounds insane.

Neodymium · 25/12/2024 22:16

it sounds like a narcissistic meltdown. I agree call the police. How hard is it to remove someone from a tenancy?

ShouldIstayorgogogo · 25/12/2024 22:16

Please phone the police and get him out. He’s assaulted you and he will do it again. Did him. He does nothing for you. Best wishes and a brighter 2025.

StarlightStalagmite · 25/12/2024 22:29

Hi OP,

It sounds like he is getting more dangerous and I really am concerned about your safety.

Would you consider going to the police, telling them what's happened and showing them the messages?

Whatever you do, please don't go back there or tell him where you are. It really sounds like you are at risk of harm. He tried to stop you leaving twice, what might he do next time?

Please so keep coming back here if safe to do so.

ThreeLocusts · 25/12/2024 22:37

OP I'm so sorry. Yes call police asap, but as importantly, don't blame yourself. You didn't anticipate this, well, who would? This is all on him, not on you. All of it. You have no reason to be ashamed. Flowers

Laurabeee · 25/12/2024 22:40

So upset for you that you are even having to ask if this is okay. Nobody deserves this. Please find a way out.

FiatMultiplaWhopper · 25/12/2024 22:46

This is not your fault, please please call the police!

OrnithCheeseatron · 25/12/2024 22:50

Please get yourself away from this 'man'. And raise your standards please my love. No one should tolerate this nonsense from anyone.

Pack your things and your pets up, and get away - anywhere that's safe.

The rest can come after xx

scoobysnaxx · 25/12/2024 22:53

Please please please call the police!! This is very dangerous abuse and if sounds like he will escalate very quickly which to be very frank could endanger your life. Please call the police now.

Merrychristmastome1 · 25/12/2024 23:15

He sounds just like my partner. He will keep going until you're completely broken and question your own sanity. Go to the police and get him removed.