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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’m moving house today and leaving my DB to be evicted, come tell me it’ll be ok?

311 replies

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:08

I live in a HA bungalow, 2.5 beds which is adapted for my DC whose disabled. I am a single parent, split with DCs dad due to violence and control, which he continues even now we’re split.

Last year my parents persuaded me emotionally blackmailed me into letting my AuADHD DSib move in when they split with their spouse.

It’s been horrible and everytime I raise it with my parents I get emotional blackmail about how I’ve always landed on my feet and it’s only fair I share my luck. I sleep on the sofa because the small room isn’t big enough for a bed and DSib couldn’t possibly sleep on the sofa with their issues.

Examples of DBs behaviour (it’s longer than this though)

  • Told me they are a better parent to DC than I am because he actually deals with their meltdowns – DC gets told no, and I do not allow hitting, kicking or bitting during meltdowns but if DC wants to be sad/overstimulated/angry that’s allowed, they can have a shout and then go sit in their room to calm down, I find if I do anything else they get worse and are more likely to become violent but DB picks DC up and puts them in their room and tells them they can’t have anything to eat or drink until they calm down, this usually makes them worse and I get shouted at for “Not dealing with DC”
  • DC (aged 10 almost 11) gets shouted at by DSib most mornings for waking them up to early (7.30am on a school morning, 8.30am on weekends, apparently any noise before 11am is too much)
  • DSib wakes DC up in the night shouting into their gaming headset when I asked DSib to keep it down I get told to grow up and deal with my child to stop them disturbing DSib
  • DSib said they’re a better pet owner than me because they occasionally let my Dog into the garden while I’m working – I still walk the dog x3 a day, feed them twice a day, pick up their poop from the garden. I also care for DSibs cats; feed them, sort their litter tray, keep Dog away from them as the cats don’t like her. And I also care for my neighbours pets when they go away several times a year. But apparently DSib is better than me at pet ownership
  • I ask DSib for a small contribution to the rent/bills to be told that I am disgusting and money grabbing and if need money I need to get off my a**e and get a job – it was less than £100 a month DSib gets over £1k a month from UC and PIP. I work admittedly I freelance so only work on average 6 days per month but I al get DLA for DC, and some UC moneys not an issue for me, I never borrow it from anyone I just thought DSib should contribute
  • DSib told my ExH how awful a parent I am to DC so now I get EA via text message from him
  • DSib tried to make DC feel bad because they have an adapted bathroom off their room according to DSib the ensuite is for adults and they deserve it more than DC because they have to share a bathroom with me
  • I have a basket in the main bathroom next to my toilet with period products, toilet paper and other bathroom products in for anyone to help themselves to if needed – Dsib moved all my period products out of the bathroom and told me to keep “those things hidden in a bag or something that’s not gross”
  • Threatened to get my elderly neighbours evicted when they had a BBQ with their DC and GC – apparently it stinks and they were too noisy – it was 6pm on a Saturday night last summer, they were inside by 9pm and they invited my DC to go over and play with their GC (and offered them some food off the BBQ to)
  • Same neighbours dog got into my garden, did it’s business and then ran back into it’s own home. Neighbours offered to clear it up but I did it, these things happen, it could have been my dog who got into their garden – Dsib says the dog is awfully behaved and they should lose it when they get evicted – it’s a small breed dog; shitzh zhu (sp?) and gets on well with both my DC and my dog, I’ve never heard their dog so much as bark when someone knocks their door, they wouldn’t let a vicious/badly behaved dog around their own GC

I could go on, but I’ve been threatened, told I’m disgusting and everything else when I told DSib to move out at the beginning of the year. Apparently I have it so easy and need to wake up to the realities of life. DSib can’t possibly live in a HMO according to my parents which is what they were offered before they moved in with me.

So in March I contacted my housing association for advice. They’re offered me a bungalow closer to DCs school, similar layout to ours and includes the adapted bathroom DC has now but it’s only 2 beds. The family currently in that bungalow have a child at a school closer to my current place, so we’re basically swapping.

I’m all packed, just waiting for the HAs van to arrive to take my stuff (I’ve paid extra for this). I’ve bought myself a new bed so DSib can have the one they currently sleep in. DC goes to their dad tonight for 2 nights so I have time to get it all ready for DC to come back on Sunday.

DSib is being evicted today, they’ll offer a HMO again (under 35 so can’t offer a 1 bed flat apparently), my name will be mud in my family, but I’m past caring although slightly worried.

It’ll be ok won’t it?

OP posts:
CookiesAreForSharing · 11/04/2025 14:11

This is 100% ok. Well done for getting out of this awful situation. Stay strong and enjoy your fresh start! Your sib sounds just horrendous.

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 11/04/2025 14:12

Who cares if it's not, they're not family to you and they don't deserve you or DC in their lives. He has treated you disgustingly and the fact that your family have allowed it is vile. Don't let any of them stop you enjoying your new home.

Daisy12Maisie · 11/04/2025 14:13

Your child is your priority not your sibling. My sister went through a very hard time last year and all I did was invite her and her daughter round for tea once a fortnight. That is my lovely, kind sister.
You letting your brother move in with you is huge. He hasn’t behaved or appreciated it so that’s on him. It’s not the norm for siblings to have to house each other.
Go and enjoy your new place with your child. If your parents make comments say it’s because of his behaviour. Go low contact with your parents if needed.
No one leaving an abusive relationship has had an easy time. That is irrelevant anyway. If someone decided my life was easy that doesn’t suddenly mean I have to accommodate one of my siblings. You are obligated to look after your children. That’s it.

CaptainFuture · 11/04/2025 14:15

Hoping HA get and remove him otherwise the poor swap family!

Harrumphhhh · 11/04/2025 14:17

This is 100% okay. Well done for putting your DC first and getting everything sorted out yourself. I have an autistic son who will likely find living independently very difficult. I won’t make his sibling responsible for him though. That’s for me and him to work out. You’ve done the right thing. Your DB is not your responsibility.

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:17

CaptainFuture · 11/04/2025 14:15

Hoping HA get and remove him otherwise the poor swap family!

They've promised me they can and will remove him by force if needed, he's not their tenant (I am)

OP posts:
Goody2ShoesAndTheFilthyBeast · 11/04/2025 14:17

It is 100% the right thing to do. You must protect your child and yourself. You owe your sibling nothing.

Do they know this is happening? Will you be safe?

Codlingmoths · 11/04/2025 14:19

Well done op. It’s great to see parents do difficult things that protect their kids. I hope you didn’t love the old house too much and that the new house is lovely for you. Don’t tell db the address.

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:20

Goody2ShoesAndTheFilthyBeast · 11/04/2025 14:17

It is 100% the right thing to do. You must protect your child and yourself. You owe your sibling nothing.

Do they know this is happening? Will you be safe?

Yes brother knows it's happening but says I can't go or evict him and my parents have said I'm disgusting for doing this to family.

OP posts:
Zombella · 11/04/2025 14:20

You have absolutely done the right thing. Your sibling is abusive and your family don't give a shit. Focus on yourself and child. Be prepared that you may need to go low or no contact with your family. You sound like a wonderful mum. You can get through this 💐

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:20

Codlingmoths · 11/04/2025 14:19

Well done op. It’s great to see parents do difficult things that protect their kids. I hope you didn’t love the old house too much and that the new house is lovely for you. Don’t tell db the address.

I'm used to losing everything and having to start again, never get too attached

OP posts:
Whoarethoseguys · 11/04/2025 14:22

You are doing the right thing for yourself and your child.
Congratulations on your new home. I hope you will be very happy there.

goodnessidontknow · 11/04/2025 14:22

Well done, you're protecting yourself and your child which is a good thing. Your brother has other options so you don't need to feel bad.
Make sure you continue to be safe, don't tell your family your new address and make sure it's secure. You can relax this weekend knowing that you'll be able to live peacefully from now on.

yeesh · 11/04/2025 14:24

You are doing the right thing. Your family are horrible, if your parents think he’s so easy to live with why don’t they have him? I would limit/cut contact with the lot of them. Good luck in your new home 🤞

Oldandcobwebby · 11/04/2025 14:24

Your brother can't line in an HMO? Well, he can shack up with his parents, then. Simple.

Seriously, I hope the new bungalow works wonderfully for you and your children. I wish you every happiness.

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:25

yeesh · 11/04/2025 14:24

You are doing the right thing. Your family are horrible, if your parents think he’s so easy to live with why don’t they have him? I would limit/cut contact with the lot of them. Good luck in your new home 🤞

They both have 1 beds (yeah parents aren't even together!)

OP posts:
WallaceinAnderland · 11/04/2025 14:25

It's the right decision. Is there any chance he will just turn up at your new place though?

mnreader · 11/04/2025 14:26

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:26

WallaceinAnderland · 11/04/2025 14:25

It's the right decision. Is there any chance he will just turn up at your new place though?

If he does, I'm not letting him in. I don't have to, he's not named on my tenancy.

OP posts:
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 11/04/2025 14:26

Your poor child.

Very glad that you're putting them first over your dreadful sibling.

Eggsboxedandmelting · 11/04/2025 14:27

Your dps are the disgusting ones... Glad you had an escape plan op..
Onwards and upwards for you and your dc...

ramonaqueenbee · 11/04/2025 14:27

Well done OP.

It will be hard, they will continue to emotionally blackmail you. Stay strong, for your own sake. You deserve a peaceful home and your dc need this time to recover from what you have all been through.

Cycle through the reaponses:

That's not my problem
That doesn't work for us
That's not possible

Good luck!

MounjaroOnMyMind · 11/04/2025 14:29

Well done on dealing with this so well. I was worried you'd have to go into private renting, so I'm really glad you've got a new HA place.

I would really limit your dealings with your family to Christmas and birthday cards.

Eggsboxedandmelting · 11/04/2025 14:29

Make sure to keep the front door always locked. Get a ring doorbell. Any bother ring the police.. If your dps so wish they can house him can't they?

DisforDarkChocolate · 11/04/2025 14:34

Well done you for doing the best for your family. Good luck x

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