Dear all.
I have had a difficult life so far. Growing up I had a difficult upbringing with a lot of abuse, neglect and no love or affection.
So at 17 I thought I found my happy ending. I was very young, vulnerable and naive. I entered a relationship with a man of 47. He was the first person in my life to show any kindness and love. And I fell for it. This bit goes to show how desperate I was he was a man on benefits and lived in a house that could easily be on a TV show for hoarders.
I'm 36 now with four children with this man. Older wiser me now knows I was groomed. During the last 19 years he has been coercively controlling, financial abusive (only had a bank account when I turned 33, before that he would control the money completely), verbally and emotionally abusive. I have been very isolated, told what I can eat ,when I can sleep. I have no friends, and no family who care.
I've been in therapy and with her help and support, it's helped me to reach out to my local council to enquire about housing and I've made contact with some charities, still at the beginning of all of this.
Is there anybody who has been in a similar situation and can offer any advice on how to navigate this situation? I am determined to leave. Im not walking on eggshells anymore. I want better my children and me. But I am scared and a little worried.