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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

My SIL has hit me, wow

70 replies

Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 19:58

Hi lovely ladies I really would like to vent and some advice please. I will try to make it short as possible ha!
I am 28 and I have been with my partner for nearly 10 years, we have 10 month old twins ❤️
Prior to falling pregnant with my twins I was diagnosed with a tumor on my ovary and I’ve had my ovary removed, I am under cancer watch for the next 5 to 10 years as the tumour was unknown malignancy. I then had 2 miscarriages then the twins yay!
My SIL is the most toxic person I have ever come across, when I was in school everyone in the area knew her as the big scary bully. She is well known to be very horrible and toxic.
About a year into my relationship the horrible comments and digs started. We was all young and would go out drinking with massive groups of us as we all have the same friends (We are all from the same area in London, everyone knows everyone) and at the end of the night it would always be her that caused an issue with someone.
Anytime she caused an issue with me, after addressing it with her I just had to forget about it for my partners sake. He has a very small family so they are all quite close as they only have eachother and my partner hates issues!
Anyway, it got really bad over a year ago where she caused problems at my partners 30th birthday party which I organised. At the end of the party she called me very horrible names and made up some stuff about me to my partner. Of course he didn’t believe her, I didn’t speak to her since then.
I fell pregnant.
I saw her over my pregnancy quite a few times for family get together / funeral etc. Each event she said a dig to me, or a comment under her breathe.
I had a gender reveal party for my twins, and out of goodness of my heart I invited her and her girls as I wouldn’t want my twins cousins to miss out because of her. And guess what? At my gender reveal she ignored me the whole time, sly comments again, and was even rude to my sister and my sisters MIL. I was so embarrassed.
A week before I gave birth it was a friends daughter 1st birthday party, everyone was there, she walked pasted me and pushed my bag so I would notice. She said a comment about my partner buying me a car. She is clearly jealous. So yeah after that I knew once my babies were here I didn’t want her anywhere near me if she can treat me like that when pregnant
A couple months after the twins were born she kept ringing my partner saying she wants to meet them and she can’t believe I’m stopping her seeing them. They kept arguing. So again, goodness out of my heart I’ve text her and said I will be civil with her for all of our children’s sake, and she came round with her girls to meet the babies. We’ve been okay since barely see or talk to eachother but everything is civil.
Me & my partner went out on Saturday night. Our first night out since babies were born. We went with his other sister who is completely lovely, we went to a small event and ended up back on our local pub. The horrible sister ended up meeting us there when hearing we was all together as a few others joined at this point. The pub is 5 minutes from her place. Everything was going well until she had too much to drink and kept making stupid comments to me and about my relationship with her brother. Mine and his relationship is very good but she always wants to say something to get involved or cause a problem. My partner is so confused why she was bringing up these comments to me. So we ended up arguing, and I did loose it as I have so much built up anger with her, I was telling her to stop being so involved with my life and I called her jealous. Some other words were exchanged and she smacked me around the face!
Security removed her in seconds and made sure I was okay, my boyfriend heard and saw it all, he is in so much shock she reacted in that way and agrees I have done nothing wrong. He’s so upset
Of course they have had an argument and they are not speaking. SIL is shocked that he is taking my side?! She is delusional.
I am very happy this has actually happened as I know have a perfectly great reason to keep her out my life for good.
My mum is so angry, she has contacted SIL and they have had a fight. My mum has her own friendships with my SIL’s as she helps them a lot with certain things so my mum feel betrayed by her too now.
ANYWAY the advice I want is what the hell do I do now? Obviously I do not want her in my life or children’s life. But in the future what do I do with family event? For example, my other SIL’s son birthday will be beginning of next year, so I show up even if she is there? If I don’t go, do I let partner bring the twins? Will the rest of his family think I’m wrong for not going to family events with the twins, or not letting my partner take them without me? Then my twins miss out on seeing his dads family at events?
What if it dies down let’s say next year, and my partner speaks to her again? Do I have to now tell him it’s me or her? I feel so sad to put my partner in this position. I’m not saying he will speak to her again, but I never know what the futures holds, right. Please advice 🙏🏼

PS. Me and my mum spoke about reporting it to the police but there is no point to have anymore family drama and it is something I do not want to do, just incase anyone mentions this

OP posts:
Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 20:05

I’m so embarassed to even type this story out so other can read it tbh. The situation is so children and embarassing. I’ve never ever in my life had a problem with anyone except for her

OP posts:
Notpaintednails · 24/11/2025 20:16

Wow this is shocking behaviour from your SIL and I don't blame you for wanting her toxicity out of your life! She clearly has issues and needs therapy by the sound of it...
Congratulations on the arrival of your baby twins!!! Also, your partner sounds lovely.
I guess, it's difficult to give advice without knowing all the family dynamics, but just based on your post, personally I would not attend events where I know she will be present. I simply would refuse to be in the same room as her. As for the twins, it is different. They could go with their dad and get to know their cousins. Kids play together as such events. When they are old enough, you will be able to explain to them why you don't go to big family events. I would only attend funerals, and even then, would stay well away from her (easier said than done through). As for the rest of the family, if you like them, I would make a particular effort to see them by having them over separately for meals or by visiting them. This way, they can see you don't harbour any animosity towards them. At the end of the day, they must all know what SIL is like. They have known her longer than you and they know she's nothing but trouble. I wish best of luck with this difficult situation.

Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 20:23

Also to add, I think my made point i am asking is if my partner has a relationship with her again in the future how do I stay cool about that? I really don’t think it would sit right with me, and I don’t want to cause any relationship problems for me and him.

OP posts:
Happyher · 24/11/2025 20:23

Dont go to the family gatherings, instead visit you partners family at a different time. Go to the other SILs the day before and take any birthday presents and take your kids too. The family will understand

Neveranynamesleft · 24/11/2025 20:24

You should be the bigger person, do not let her stop you and your family going to any family gatherings or parties etc. Ignore her completely or smile sweetly then walk away. You do not need that nonsense in your life.

Xmasdemon · 24/11/2025 20:26

Wouldn't want my kids around her.

ACatNamedRobin · 24/11/2025 20:27

Go to the police.
Even if your partner won't testify against his sister, you have the security people from the bar.
Nothing will happen to her, the police will just have a chat with her - but it will show her you're not to be messed with.
Otherwise it could escalate.

Xmasdemon · 24/11/2025 20:29

Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 20:23

Also to add, I think my made point i am asking is if my partner has a relationship with her again in the future how do I stay cool about that? I really don’t think it would sit right with me, and I don’t want to cause any relationship problems for me and him.

You can't expect him to never see his sister again. That said, he might not want to.

roastedrapidly · 24/11/2025 20:35

My advice would be if you are ever forced to see her when attending a family event etc. don't consume any alcohol, if you have your wits about you, you'll be in a better position to avoid conflict with her. She will probably be drinking and being toxic, but you will be calm and have your wits about you.....the thing with people like this is it is very easy to maintain the moral high ground.

Zempy · 24/11/2025 20:38

I would have called the police and had her done for assault. You could then possibly get a non molestation order which means she wouldn’t be allowed near you or your DC. That would take the pressure off DH.

I would never see her again and wouldn’t want her anywhere near my children.

Stillpoor · 24/11/2025 20:39

I read the title my first thought was i hope you hit her right back.

WhyamIinahandcartandwherearewegoing · 24/11/2025 20:45

roastedrapidly · 24/11/2025 20:35

My advice would be if you are ever forced to see her when attending a family event etc. don't consume any alcohol, if you have your wits about you, you'll be in a better position to avoid conflict with her. She will probably be drinking and being toxic, but you will be calm and have your wits about you.....the thing with people like this is it is very easy to maintain the moral high ground.

100% agree with this. Sounds like everyone gets pissed and looks for a fight, break that pattern and rise above it.

FeedingPidgeons · 24/11/2025 20:45

One key thing to look out for is how you handle things around other people who know both of you. You have a lot of people in common so it is inevitable you'll get comments and questions.

Best thing you can do is stay calm, refuse to discuss it. Maybe pick one bland line that you can repeat - "Its a difficult situation for [partners name] so I really don't want to talk about it". "No, I mean it, I'm not prepared to discuss it" and hold the line.

This is really important because inevitably anything you say will get back to her in some form or another, and will pour petrol on the flames. Staying quiet will help to make you look calm and reasonable and it gives her no reason to stir up more trouble.

People will get bored and move on, she will find a new target eventually.

Notpaintednails · 24/11/2025 20:48

Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 20:23

Also to add, I think my made point i am asking is if my partner has a relationship with her again in the future how do I stay cool about that? I really don’t think it would sit right with me, and I don’t want to cause any relationship problems for me and him.

I completely understand why it would not sit well with you, but you cannot impose on him that he stops having a relationship with her, because this could bring in a lot of tension in your relationship, which means SIL would be getting exactly what she wants. She likes to sow the seeds of discord. So you need to show her a united front, where he supports your decision to cut her off your life and you support his to stay in contact with her. As often the case with toxic people, she will probably end up ruining her relationship with him in the future anyway. Don't let her ruin your relationship that you worked so hard to build.

dotdotdotdash · 24/11/2025 20:48

I would have reported it to the police. She sounds like a classic bully who will use intimidation and violence unless you stand up to her. Go to the family events but avoid her. Stay sober. If she ever attempts to intimidate you with words, ask her to repeat herself in hearing of others. Make sure neither you nor your children are alone with her, but don’t let her bully you out of attending family events. If you demonstrate strength she will back down. But report the assault as a crime and make sure she is made aware.

Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 20:51

WhyamIinahandcartandwherearewegoing · 24/11/2025 20:45

100% agree with this. Sounds like everyone gets pissed and looks for a fight, break that pattern and rise above it.

Hi, I just wanted to say I don’t drink much or often. The drama at my partners 30th birthday I did not drink that night as we had all his work collueges coming so me & my partner wanted to enjoy it sober. Then all the drama she done to me while I was pregnant obviously I was sober haha. She drinks wherever she is. But even when she is sober she acts horrible. And I definetly don’t drink at all anymore now I’ve had the babies as I’m always with them 😊
Few months ago I kindly picked her up to go to a family friends birthday, she had a drink in her hand right away, I stayed for an hour and left with the twins

OP posts:
Mumptynumpty · 24/11/2025 20:57

Your partner is not a child to be protected. He needs to manage this and any fallout with HIS family. He cannot hide behind anyone and have people protecting him because he is upset by it.

You need to agree a plan and stick to it. I suspect he won't and would rather you took all the heat whilst he shoulder shrugs pathetically (based on your words).

HipHipWhoRay · 24/11/2025 21:01

Misses the point, but I find it sweet that there’s an area of london where everyone knows everyone!

Scout2016 · 24/11/2025 21:06

Imagine this happened to someone else, maybe your kids once they are grown up or your friend. Wouldn't you tell them to report it to the police?

Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 21:19

Mumptynumpty · 24/11/2025 20:57

Your partner is not a child to be protected. He needs to manage this and any fallout with HIS family. He cannot hide behind anyone and have people protecting him because he is upset by it.

You need to agree a plan and stick to it. I suspect he won't and would rather you took all the heat whilst he shoulder shrugs pathetically (based on your words).

Hmm maybe I explained it not in the best way. After it happened he rushed out with the security and I could see a massive commotion between him and his sister. Yesterday, she has called him and they argued right away, told her not to speak to him again, she has blocked him

I’m not saying he WILL speak to her or expects me to be at family events etc because no way would he ever push me to do that. But I’m just over thinking now on how to deal with this in the future. What do you think he should do now? Or in the future with all of this

OP posts:
Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 21:21

Scout2016 · 24/11/2025 21:06

Imagine this happened to someone else, maybe your kids once they are grown up or your friend. Wouldn't you tell them to report it to the police?

Yes of course! This is why my mum is so mad and protecting me, she was pushing me to go to the police but honestly I cannot deal with anymore family drama. I’m so busy being a mum to my babies I don’t want anymore stress! That’s why I’m happy it’s happened now so I have a great reason to stay away from her

OP posts:
Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 21:22

HipHipWhoRay · 24/11/2025 21:01

Misses the point, but I find it sweet that there’s an area of london where everyone knows everyone!

Haha yes a small area, a few secondary schools, literally everyone knows everyone haha

OP posts:
Dollymylove · 24/11/2025 21:24

She assaulted you. Report her to the police oh and tell your partner to grow a pair of balls and tell her to stay the f*ck away from you and your children

ThePoshUns · 24/11/2025 21:36

Wow I am surprised that you have tolerated her for this long, you’re a better person than me.
I would have nothing ever to do with her again. Refuse to go to any family occasion if she is there, no good will ever come of it.

Anna1997 · 24/11/2025 21:53

ThePoshUns · 24/11/2025 21:36

Wow I am surprised that you have tolerated her for this long, you’re a better person than me.
I would have nothing ever to do with her again. Refuse to go to any family occasion if she is there, no good will ever come of it.

Yes I’m surprised with myself. But I’ve always just felt so bad on everyone else as don’t want no family awkwardness so I’ve always been the bigger person to avoid further drama. After the babies were born this was her last chance and I told her that. So I have a perfectly great reason to not speak to her ever again

OP posts:
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