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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:
OhNoFloyd · 12/04/2025 04:58

OP I'm really sorry you've had this experience caused by your family. You sound incredibly strong and your dc is lucky you have you. If possible, don't tell your family your new address. Good luck with your move, wishing you all the best if your new place.

Usernamenope · 12/04/2025 04:58

Just wanted to post here to say well done! You have absolutely done the right thing for you and your child. I feel quite inspired by you to be honest as I have also faced emotional blackmail from family and it is incredibly hard to break free from it!

WiddlinDiddlin · 12/04/2025 05:14

daisychain01 · 12/04/2025 02:59

This is a reason our social housing situation is broken in this country. The OP has placed an unnecessary burden on the system just because of their dysfunctional family and the OP not standing up for themselves.

why should the LA have to sort out a situation that is entirely down to the OPs parents and brother being arses.

And people saying it's 100% the right decision, that may as well be but we don't have the luxury in this country of being able to swap out perfectly good housing just because of a minor family squabble. It beggars belief!

Don't be ridiculous.

The HA will have to check the property before the new people move in - they'll go with a police officer or two and yeet the arsehole out. Thats it.

She's swapped with another HA tenant so they both have homes that suit their needs. How on earth is that an unnecessary burden' on the system??

veggie50 · 12/04/2025 06:17

As your DB is given a place to live (HMO, you said) then he can very well get on and carve a life out for himself there. Tell the parents he's been taken care of and leave it at that. Live your own life, it is hard enough being single with a disabled child and a bothersome ex. Wishing you luck and hope you find peace in your new environment.

TheFormidableMrsC · 12/04/2025 06:19

daisychain01 · 12/04/2025 02:59

This is a reason our social housing situation is broken in this country. The OP has placed an unnecessary burden on the system just because of their dysfunctional family and the OP not standing up for themselves.

why should the LA have to sort out a situation that is entirely down to the OPs parents and brother being arses.

And people saying it's 100% the right decision, that may as well be but we don't have the luxury in this country of being able to swap out perfectly good housing just because of a minor family squabble. It beggars belief!

“A minor squabble”. What a fine example of victim shaming. The OP was in an unsafe situation of abusive proportions. You should be ashamed for typing that.

gamerchick · 12/04/2025 06:32

daisychain01 · 12/04/2025 02:59

This is a reason our social housing situation is broken in this country. The OP has placed an unnecessary burden on the system just because of their dysfunctional family and the OP not standing up for themselves.

why should the LA have to sort out a situation that is entirely down to the OPs parents and brother being arses.

And people saying it's 100% the right decision, that may as well be but we don't have the luxury in this country of being able to swap out perfectly good housing just because of a minor family squabble. It beggars belief!

That's the weirdest SH jealousy post eva that. did you not know that swapping houses is normal?

caringcarer · 12/04/2025 06:58

You have done far more than enough. Your sibling is not your responsibility.

JustMyView13 · 12/04/2025 07:05

Wow! Fair play to you.
Its crazy how their maths works.
You + DC in 2 bed = space for DB (with you on sofa)
DM + 1 bed does not = space for DB (with DM on sofa)
🤯🤯
I’d cut your parents off. Doesn’t sound like there’s much value add in that relationship.

HazelBite · 12/04/2025 07:30

Gosh OP you have been so strong to do this, I am sure many of us would have not had the guts to take control like this. You were kind initially but then taken complete advantage of. Well done you!
Let us know how things go. Enjoy your new home (and bed)

Notsosure1 · 12/04/2025 07:30

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:25

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

This is why they’re being harsh and judgemental to you - nether of them want him either - point this out to all of them when they try to give you shit, including your brother!

thepariscrimefiles · 12/04/2025 07:30

daisychain01 · 12/04/2025 02:59

This is a reason our social housing situation is broken in this country. The OP has placed an unnecessary burden on the system just because of their dysfunctional family and the OP not standing up for themselves.

why should the LA have to sort out a situation that is entirely down to the OPs parents and brother being arses.

And people saying it's 100% the right decision, that may as well be but we don't have the luxury in this country of being able to swap out perfectly good housing just because of a minor family squabble. It beggars belief!

Because OP is being abused in her own home. If you think that her brother's behaviour and her parents' support of him is just a 'minor family squabble', you either have no reading comprehension or no empathy and you are just trying to guilt trip OP and make her the bad guy rather than her abusive brother.

The swapping of council houses is standard practice available to council house tenants if they can find someone willing to swap with them, not something that the local authority has just dreamed up for OP's situation.

Toptotoe · 12/04/2025 07:34

well done for getting out. You have totally done the right thing. Concentrate on building new healthy friendships in your new neighbourhood and distance yourself from your toxic family.

aLittleWhiteHorse · 12/04/2025 07:36

Good luck in your new home! Congratulations on putting up this boundary with your brother, and protecting your child. It’s important to model healthy choices for them.

Your entire family sound most unkind. I would remove myself from their company every time they said something I didn’t like. Or just stop contacting them much ar all.

Your responsibility is to your child and yourself.

daisychain01 · 12/04/2025 07:37

thepariscrimefiles · 12/04/2025 07:30

Because OP is being abused in her own home. If you think that her brother's behaviour and her parents' support of him is just a 'minor family squabble', you either have no reading comprehension or no empathy and you are just trying to guilt trip OP and make her the bad guy rather than her abusive brother.

The swapping of council houses is standard practice available to council house tenants if they can find someone willing to swap with them, not something that the local authority has just dreamed up for OP's situation.

swapping houses is for families who need different accommodation or need to be in a different location. In the grand scheme of life it is a minor family squabble and could have been resolved very differently. God knows why the OP needed to create a thread when the whole thing was done and dusted anyway.

I don't care if you think I'm not empathetic and I have no reason to guilt the OP, but I am giving my opinion and I don't have to be in an echo chamber over this.

Nominative · 12/04/2025 07:48

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:20

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.

Why can't your parents get off their arses and house him if they think someone in the family has a duty to do so?

thepariscrimefiles · 12/04/2025 07:49

daisychain01 · 12/04/2025 07:37

swapping houses is for families who need different accommodation or need to be in a different location. In the grand scheme of life it is a minor family squabble and could have been resolved very differently. God knows why the OP needed to create a thread when the whole thing was done and dusted anyway.

I don't care if you think I'm not empathetic and I have no reason to guilt the OP, but I am giving my opinion and I don't have to be in an echo chamber over this.

I always support the abused rather than the abuser. I'd also be interested to know how you think that this 'minor family squabble' could have been resolved very differently.

Nominative · 12/04/2025 07:49

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:25

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

Then they can sleep on the sofa, just as you have had to do.

Nominative · 12/04/2025 07:55

daisychain01 · 12/04/2025 02:59

This is a reason our social housing situation is broken in this country. The OP has placed an unnecessary burden on the system just because of their dysfunctional family and the OP not standing up for themselves.

why should the LA have to sort out a situation that is entirely down to the OPs parents and brother being arses.

And people saying it's 100% the right decision, that may as well be but we don't have the luxury in this country of being able to swap out perfectly good housing just because of a minor family squabble. It beggars belief!

You have a very weird idea of what constitutes luxury. What exactly do you suggest OP should have done instead?

aspidernamedfluffy · 12/04/2025 07:59

daisychain01 · 12/04/2025 07:37

swapping houses is for families who need different accommodation or need to be in a different location. In the grand scheme of life it is a minor family squabble and could have been resolved very differently. God knows why the OP needed to create a thread when the whole thing was done and dusted anyway.

I don't care if you think I'm not empathetic and I have no reason to guilt the OP, but I am giving my opinion and I don't have to be in an echo chamber over this.

No, anyone can swap for any reason. As long as that swap doesn't result in over/under occupancy and both parties can afford the rent on the property they are moving to then the HA will approve it.

Omgblueskys · 12/04/2025 08:01

daisychain01 · 12/04/2025 07:37

swapping houses is for families who need different accommodation or need to be in a different location. In the grand scheme of life it is a minor family squabble and could have been resolved very differently. God knows why the OP needed to create a thread when the whole thing was done and dusted anyway.

I don't care if you think I'm not empathetic and I have no reason to guilt the OP, but I am giving my opinion and I don't have to be in an echo chamber over this.

As the saying goes ' dog with a bone ,daisychain01
Just maybe op put a plan into place, believe me not easy or emotionally to do, but she has, this way she's able to walk away from very abusive B who refuse to leave property, just maybe being in property while having him removed would of been cause even more trauma to much on top of already trauma,
HA in uk have DA/DV units to support and advice, so yes op managed to get a swop which suited both family's for whatever reason,

Her family are not nice people so yes she was looking after herself and child, good for her,
Op had 3 family members that have just been ewful to her,

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 12/04/2025 08:01

Good luck to you OP.

That sounds like absolute hell. I have zero sympathy for either your sibling or your parents. If your parents care so much about him, it's their turn to help.

Put yourself and your child first.

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 12/04/2025 08:04

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:25

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

If they each have a one bed and currently live alone, and you currently have a two bed and a child, they have exactly as much ability to house your sibling as you do.

No reason why one of them can't give your sibling their bedroom and sleep on the sofa, as you have been doing. They just don't want to.

Well, neither do you.

Dueanamechange2025 · 12/04/2025 08:08

How did it go @MovingToday? have you heard for the other family or your DB?

LookingforMaryPoppins · 12/04/2025 08:13

How did it go? Hope all went well and you are in your new place now.

ClassicalCola123 · 12/04/2025 08:17

Make sure you put a postal redirect so all post goes to new address. Good luck xx

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