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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:
robinsrace · 26/12/2024 08:43

Just read all the updates. I have genuinely never been more concerned for someone on here before. Please do not go anywhere near this man, all of the signs are there that he will kill you. I'm sorry to be so blunt, I never normally am, but reading this thread was haunting and I really believe he is dangerous and you must seek protection.

There is some brilliant advice above. Please, please go to the police. Tell them everything, show them all the messages, tell them you are frightened that his violence will escalate.

Sending all my love, I am heartbroken that you are enduring this, but for the sake of you and your dog you must get out and never see him again

jm89 · 26/12/2024 08:44

I am going to go to the police, I’m trying to pull myself together as it terrifies me in case they don’t believe me and I’m then in a worse situation.

OP can you elaborate on what you mean by this, and I can definitely put your mind at ease as I am very familiar with the processes

YourGladSquid · 26/12/2024 08:52

@Applejoker I would much rather that you’re just here winding people up than in actual, very imminent danger.

Please, please, please get away from this person, as far and as efficiently as you can. The police will believe you. If all that you wrote is true I honestly think you’re in serious danger while this person is in your life.

He knows things are coming to their breaking up and that’s why he’s escalating. You mentioned his hometown is miles away, does he have any family there? He probably has been like this all his life.

YourGladSquid · 26/12/2024 08:54

@jm89 I don’t know about OP but one time in my past the police was involved, did nothing and I was then left in a much worse situation because my abusive partner knew about it and wasn’t happy.

It was a different country with a very different outlook on DV though.

AdviceAdvice123 · 26/12/2024 08:54

OP if I was your friend, or even a vague acquaintance, the only thing that would ruin my Christmas is knowing you had to go through this alone and didn’t feel able to call me. Call a friend, you know who will help you. Be honest with them.

Thejackrussellsrule · 26/12/2024 09:00

OP, a lot of people on here are genuinely worried for your safety. Please take the advice, he could kill you. He could kill or harm your dog if he knows how much they mean to you.

But to be clear, your life is in danger, please don't become a statistic.

Clarabell77 · 26/12/2024 09:01

Get as far away from him as you possibly can. This is only going to get worse.

Falalalala24 · 26/12/2024 09:01

I think you should have called the police last night when he locked you out.

I don’t think it’s a dead cert that he will be arrested though. When I was in a similar position the police asked ex to leave for the night. Then the next time they asked me to leave ‘to make it fair.’ They said they would keep doing that until we had sorted out the situation legally ie who should be in the house. Sorry just warning you on that as you said he is on the tenancy.

You need an immediate plan and then decide what to do about the house to get away from him. He does sound dangerous so I don’t think you should go back to him to live together.

GraciousMe · 26/12/2024 09:03

You're in shock OP and pretty admirable for keeping going to work tbh. You will take the action you need, when you've had a little time to process it all and you're ready. In the mean time DO NOT go back there - you have no idea what he's actually capable of and all the signs say he could absolutely flip and seriously hurt or kill you.

Please speak to women's aid - they will help you find the strength to go to the police.

If it helps, you could screenshot your posts on this thread to show the police, if saying it out loud is too difficult. You are the victim here, you do not deserve any of this.

ForeverPombear · 26/12/2024 09:04

This is the kind of man who will escalate it until he seriously puts you in hospital or he kills you.

None of this is your fault, even if you did nag him all the time (which I don't believe you do) it wouldn't make his behaviour any more acceptable.

It sounds like you've been through an awful lot, please don't blame yourself for any of it. These men in your life are all responsible for their actions and what they've done and you deserve so much better.

I know everyone else has said it and it's easier said than done but you really do need some police involvement for your safety. You aren't deliberately winding people up I just think that some people who haven't experienced it don't understand and think it's an easy thing to do but it's your life and obviously you had (have) feelings for this man.

AhBiscuits · 26/12/2024 09:06

Good luck OP. The police will take you seriously. I hope this creature is out of your life soon.

jm89 · 26/12/2024 09:07

YourGladSquid · 26/12/2024 08:54

@jm89 I don’t know about OP but one time in my past the police was involved, did nothing and I was then left in a much worse situation because my abusive partner knew about it and wasn’t happy.

It was a different country with a very different outlook on DV though.

Times have changed.
If a report like this is made and police take no action, and something happens to OP, can you imagine?
All forces have minimum standards for how DV reports must be dealt with now, this is because of past mistakes and it not being taken seriously.
Even if for example, there is insufficient evidence to support a criminal investigation- a DVPO should be applied for if violence is suspected to have occurred.

NewBrightonEel · 26/12/2024 09:08

Please get rid of him before he kills you

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.

OP posts:
Comtesse · 26/12/2024 09:11

He’s a complete maniac and it’s not safe to be around him. Stay safe lovey Flowers

Owly11 · 26/12/2024 09:12

You need to get him out. You will need a lot of support to do this as he sounds absolutely deranged. I am so sorry you are going through this. Document what has happened both with the police and in your own files eg photo evidence of where he screwed the door shut, any bruises where he grabbed you, pushed you over etc. You will need legal advice asap. Can you start by calling women's aid?

Falalalala24 · 26/12/2024 09:13

I think that’s the right decision op.

LoveRicePudding · 26/12/2024 09:14

@Applejoker is that you saying that you didn't report any of this to the police? That puts you in more danger, financial one as well.
He may accuse you of damaging the property and belongings and you will lose everything.
You need to lodge a report with the police, provide screenshots of all his deranged messages with timestamps NOW. Not tomorrow, not the day after tomorrow, not wait till the whole shit explodes in your face.

GraciousMe · 26/12/2024 09:14

Yep, good move OP. Well done. I've reported that post so hopefully it will disappear soon.

Best of luck Flowers

GraciousMe · 26/12/2024 09:16

You can report to police when you've arrived safely at your family.

Minihero · 26/12/2024 09:17

I know you probably won't see this but just wanted to say that's one of the worst descriptions of abuse I've read on here - next Christmas you will be free and will look back on this year as rock bottom and be so proud of how far you've come.

katepilar · 26/12/2024 09:17

You are not going mad. Its him who is absolutely bonkers.
Sending some strenght to find the courage to contact the police as PPs encouraged you to do. Hope you feel safe soon!

Applesonthelawn · 26/12/2024 09:19

Look love, I really do understand that when you are in it, it's hard to see it clearly - like boiled frogs, it creeps up so gradually you don't notice until it's too late. But this is massively, waaaayyy off the scale and you need to save yourself from it. Do whatever you need to do to save yourself from him. If you reach out for help you will find it from somewhere. Have the strength to make the first steps and believe in yourself.

Lilactimes · 26/12/2024 09:19

Please tell your friends or family what is going on. Stay away from the flat. There is some great advice on here and seemingly from people who have experience in this area.
I found this link.
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
@mumsnet can you provide links? Next steps?
Another night in a hotel will be the best money you’ve ever spent. Presumably he will not have covered up marks on the wall or door where he’s nailed it shut so when police visit there will be further physical evidence.
Locking someone out of their home for even 10 mins at anytime especially Christmas Eve is not normal - just that on its own - let alone everything else you’ve described.
He is absolutely a massive problem. The police will believe you but I understand you need to find your time.

in addition to staying out, pulling together as much proof as you can, summoning courage to go to the police - PLEASE tell as many people as you can. Share the messages, his behaviour. This dilutes his power - share his messages with your friends, family - can you tell your bosses at any places you work? They will have a duty of care - even if it’s a few hours to go to the police station in the day
Sending lots of love to you. Please keep us all informed how you are doing xx

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