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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

He left, Finally.

212 replies

Muddlethroughmam · 02/01/2026 06:21

That's it really, He left.

After a few years of constantly threatening to leave me, Me playing into it begging him to stay. Apologizing for anything and everything to convince him to stay. Putting up with so much of what I now know is emotional abuse (I was put in touch with Women's Aid) I constantly questioned if I was a horrible person that deserved everything. I said to him the next time you verbally abuse me will be the last time, And it was. The problem here is that in turn I became verbally abusive, I said horrible unforgivable things, Because I didn't want him to forgive me, I wanted him to leave.

We would have a disagreement, I would get the silent treatment for up to a few weeks - He would then finally talk to me and make me guess what I had done wrong, And I would, I would wrack my brain and try and think of things that might have upset him and he would agree with every one and then say nope keep guessing, It used to go on for hours.

He would take my mode of transportation away from me at the drop of a hat (Rural)

Refuse to contribute financially because I didn't deserve it.

Shine lights in my face to prevent me from sleeping.

Shout at me and intimidate me but then say it's not like I'm hitting you

He would sent me pages and pages of messages listing my faults and how I was responsible for the relationship failing.

He would tell me constantly that I needed to go to the doctors because I was mentally unwell and needed help because it was impacting our relationship.

He became sexually abusive recently (Not R. But very unwanted touching etc and then anger when I asked him not to) and I think that was the final straw for me, I'm not sure why this pushed me over the edge but I think I can pinpoint it to that.

I haven't stopped shaking since yesterday afternoon, Feel sick and worried, He took our car which leaves me a bit screwed. But apart from that which I think I have sorted I definitely feel lighter and relieved.

I don't know what the point in this post is really, But it's over and he's gone. I don't know how to move on, I don't know how to forgive myself for the things I have said. Awful horrible vitoral. I became him in that moment yesterday and I scared myself. I can't ever go back.

The house is mine and he doesn't have and can't copy keys, All of the bills etc are in my name so we are now completely separate.

OP posts:
Sevenwondersofthewoo · 02/01/2026 15:32

Has he taken all his belongings cos that’ll be the opening for him to come back

if he’s left anything photograph it and box it
get a third party to tell him where it is and when to collect.

if big items do not be alone if he has to come for them.

ring doorbell for security cos a lot of them don’t like losing even if they don’t want to or ever say sorry for anything.

good luck now

Summerhillsquare · 02/01/2026 15:36

DaisyChain505 · 02/01/2026 08:31

Do you have a ring door bell, security cameras etc? If not get those installed asap.

Get a lock put on the inside of your bedroom door just for a bit of extra security at night time and keep something handy in your bedroom like a hammer that you may have been conveniently “putting up picture frames with”

Just a cheap door wedge or two does the trick, also portable.

PoppySaidYesIKnow · 02/01/2026 15:44

Let him have the car if it means you have need to speak to him again. You’ve suffered so much abuse that you really must not give a second thought to you lashing out verbally - it’s the least he deserved- a little taste of his own medicine. Good for you I say. Onwards and upwards and what a great way to start the new year - free of this vile excuse for a man. You’re free - just don’t go looking to replace him with anyone else - enjoy the peace being single will bring.

purplecorkheart · 02/01/2026 16:16

Hi, you are amazing. Glad you are rid of that scumbag. I would suggest that you still change your locks if you can. My parents have locks and keys that you should only be able to get cut by one locksmith and you should have passwords etc. I have been able to get keys cut without that. I was not even asked my name or the address of the house.

Luckyingame · 02/01/2026 16:27

Congratulations.
Now change the locks, think about personal safety first and foremost.
Relax afterwards.
Well done you!
💐

selffellatingouroborosofhate · 02/01/2026 16:33

Muddlethroughmam · 02/01/2026 15:15

Thank you all for your supportive comments.

Just discovered that before he left he destroyed a couple of very special keepsakes of mine. Irreplaceable, Sentimental items that I'll never get back. I think this tops it all, To have full awareness of the level of pain this would cause and to do it anyway.

Are they glueable? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi

As a precaution, ask the council for a change of locks. You don't know whether that key you lost ages back is, and he could have it.

Kintsugi - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi

Mich1986 · 02/01/2026 16:53

Well done for getting out of this horrible situation! You deserve so much more. It’s time to move on and rebuild now. Best thing I ever did was leave my emotionally abusive relationship when I was in my 20s, I felt so free after, although it did take a little while to rebuild my confidence and trust another man. You are going to be fine, never let him back in your life.

Sodthesystem · 02/01/2026 16:55

What a sigh of relief it must be to get him out.

And just a side note, you weren't abusive to say what needed said to finally get him gone. It's good if he thinks it's all his idea. You called out a bully. Good on you.

Defending yourself is not sinking to his level.
It's simply standing up for yourself.
And besides, it doesn't matter what you scream into a void of darkness, you were never going to get light back from him.

Take whatever precautions you can to stay safe and make sure he never darkens your door again! Congratulations on your new freedom.

Sodthesystem · 02/01/2026 17:03

Muddlethroughmam · 02/01/2026 15:15

Thank you all for your supportive comments.

Just discovered that before he left he destroyed a couple of very special keepsakes of mine. Irreplaceable, Sentimental items that I'll never get back. I think this tops it all, To have full awareness of the level of pain this would cause and to do it anyway.

What a bastard.

I don't know what they are but, is there any way you could make them into something else?

For example, smashed china could be made into a collage and put in a picture frame. Gold could be melted and formed into something else. Or even just take a picture and use it to remember how lucky you were to get away from him. Turning the pain he caused into strength.

PyongyangKipperbang · 02/01/2026 17:03

Losing your shit once in the face of his abuse is not the same as being abusive.

He is abusive, you got to the end of your rope and lost your rag.

Be aware that when he realises that you are not crawling back and begging him to return he will try to contact you. He is expecting you to cave and when you dont he will hate that he has lost control and lost his victim. I am afraid to say that this probably isnt over yet.

If he contacts you in anyway respond ONCE that you do not wish to have any further contact with him and if he does it again then it will be reported to the police as harrassment. If he turns up at your door then do not open the door, tell him to leave and call the police if he doesnt. Be prepared to go in hard on this because any slight chink in your armour he sees he will try to exploit. He needs to be told loud and clear that you will not entertain any form of contact, and any abuse will be dealt with by the police.

You need to take back all control from him.

Good luck and well done

Hollyleaves · 02/01/2026 17:24

Muddlethroughmam · 02/01/2026 06:33

Thank you.
I've blocked him on absolutely everything. I don't think he'll contact me, Because I was verbally abusive to him he feels wronged. He'll never ever apologize first or break contact first. So I think as long as I don't crawl back it's all going to be fine.

Unfortunately he is abusive and when weeks of ignoring you doesn’t work - and you begging him back you might get a letter/ flowers/ email or the opposite of rage - eg he saying something darling I know you were awful to me but can I help support you and meet up and be friends- he might twist and turn the hook to see if you are still attached to the bait.

You might also find other things eg new woman and engaged in weeks or something anything as he can’t handle not having YOU.

Be kind to yourself. He is an extreme abuser physical abuse / sexual abuse etc unwanted touching is sexual assault. Shining a torch in someone’s eyes is physical abuse. You need time to heal.

As he has taken the car if joint - report it to police on dvla and insurance and police (non emergency) that the car is in joint names but he has left your property due to DV towards you and he will not be returning.

I would personally: ensure you have cctv up and running asap, get a brand new shiny phone and number and do not give it out except to very trusted friends under the proviso he doesn’t get it.

Get the car situation sorted pronto. In your situation :
If in his name - great but contact the dvla with his name, phone number, work or other address, and say due to DV he has moved out and not longer lives at your address and will be again so for insurance etc he needs to change the address. contact the insurance company as well. You don’t want fines or speeding stuff levelled at you. If you have a car key. Return it and say he needs it contact dvla and insurance. preferably and sadly it works better if you get a trusted male to do this - eg Here is a letter from Jane regarding the car. (Not in an envelope) so he knows your friend has read it.
If he has anything coming out of a bank account of yours eg dvla stop it.
Get rid of all his stuff pronto and get it out and box up and drop at work. Remove his name from everything you can.

Get therapy.

I have had highly abusive people in my life and I remember once a family member
who had hit me for years and beaten me to the point of hospital once turned to me and I said I had made him hit me and then went through a situation from my childhood (20 years earlier) where I had lied and gone somewhere with friends and told him the wrong location (he was controlling and wanted to know my every move) and he kept making me feel awful as I had lied. He went on and on and back and flipped it around on me. Ok really I was wracked with guilt and apologies etc and now I think I’m human, I was brave I survived I had huge resilience I was normal. Forgive yourself and refuse to mention of discuss it again unless with a trained therapist in abuse.

May 2026 find you a new car and peace. Well done for keeping it finished - hold the line and yes heal but remember via this thread all he did and was because he will never ever change.

You - you already have. 💐

Justlovedogs · 02/01/2026 17:26

Congratulations, @Muddlethroughmam. It sounds like you're starting 2026 on a positive note. Be kind to yourself about whatever you said since it was likely a self defence mechanism. Sorry to hear about your keepsakes, he really is an unpleasant individual to do something like that, but they are just things. You and your mental health are much more important. Stay strong.

Hollyleaves · 02/01/2026 17:27

Muddlethroughmam · 02/01/2026 15:15

Thank you all for your supportive comments.

Just discovered that before he left he destroyed a couple of very special keepsakes of mine. Irreplaceable, Sentimental items that I'll never get back. I think this tops it all, To have full awareness of the level of pain this would cause and to do it anyway.

You must report this to the police with photo and you must please. Start paper trail By involving the police you also show him you can and will go to the police again. You must do this. Photos and report criminal or damage to personal property.

TootSweetie · 02/01/2026 17:29

My partner left yesterday too. Roll on 2026!

iamnotalemon · 02/01/2026 17:30

Halfull · 02/01/2026 06:29

Didn’t want to read and run but just offering a handhold. Don’t think you should give what you said yesterday a second thought because it sounds like he deserved every word the abusive arsehole. Do something nice for yourself today and cleanse the house of the bastard.

Yes, exactly this. Well done OP. I’m sure it will take a while before you can properly relax but I hope he stays away. You are strong and amazing x

TootSweetie · 02/01/2026 17:31

Muddlethroughmam · 02/01/2026 15:15

Thank you all for your supportive comments.

Just discovered that before he left he destroyed a couple of very special keepsakes of mine. Irreplaceable, Sentimental items that I'll never get back. I think this tops it all, To have full awareness of the level of pain this would cause and to do it anyway.

Ugh. What a prick! Mine harmed me in other ways. All emotionally abusive and unforgivably infantile. Hope you can fix them.

MedievalNun · 02/01/2026 17:36

Didn’t want to read and run, especially as one thing stood out to me.

I know you made him give the keys back, but you said you lost one some time ago - are you absolutely certain that he didn’t hide it in case of this scenario?

Fit a temporary lock to the bedroom (or bathroom) door so you have a secure room & then contact the council on Monday and ask them to change your locks as a matter of urgency.

Other than that I’m glad you’re safe.

Sweetmotherchuffer · 02/01/2026 18:24

@Muddlethroughmam Congratulations, you have done a fantastic thing for yourself. You will move on, it’s early days yet and your counsellor will be able to help you hugely with this (don’t forget - they already have).

Have a fabulous 2026!

Muddlethroughmam · 02/01/2026 22:59

Thank you for all the lovely messages of support.

I bought a little car this evening so that's the final thing sorted.

I think the adrenaline is starting to wear off now. I feel sick and have a huge pit in my stomach. I know it's for the best. I don't love him and don't want him but I'm scared of being alone, I'm sure it will pass. It will have to because I am not going back.

OP posts:
BeenThereBackThen · 02/01/2026 23:19

Please don’t ignore the advice re changing the locks. One key has gone astray, assume the worst and have them changed.

He already destroyed something that was important to you. He’s vengeful and who knows what he can do when he realises you are not crawling back.

Better be safe than sorry.

TessSaysYes · 02/01/2026 23:37

He's gonna try and come back. I hope you stay strong, good luck

Muddlethroughmam · 02/01/2026 23:42

BeenThereBackThen · 02/01/2026 23:19

Please don’t ignore the advice re changing the locks. One key has gone astray, assume the worst and have them changed.

He already destroyed something that was important to you. He’s vengeful and who knows what he can do when he realises you are not crawling back.

Better be safe than sorry.

Oh I thought I had replied about the locks. I've asked the council if they will change them for me.

The key was lost by a family member and dropped down a drain while she was walking the dog so it is accounted for.

Ordered a ring doorbell today as well.

OP posts:
TheIrritatingGentleman · 02/01/2026 23:49

TessSaysYes · 02/01/2026 23:37

He's gonna try and come back. I hope you stay strong, good luck

@Muddlethroughmam this is absolutely going to happen once he realises you mean it. It doesn't matter if he's never did it before - before, you made everything right again.

I have had a similar ex and it's exactly what he did. Once they realise you mean it and are happy to go alone, they back track. Expect him to actually admit some things he 'may' have done wrong. Maybe even some gifts sent your way. Don't fall for it!

Wishing you all the best x

Horses7 · 02/01/2026 23:51

Congratulations on your loss!
2026 will be your year!!

RescueMeFromThisSilliness · 03/01/2026 00:06

Hollyleaves · 02/01/2026 17:27

You must report this to the police with photo and you must please. Start paper trail By involving the police you also show him you can and will go to the police again. You must do this. Photos and report criminal or damage to personal property.

I agree. What also concerns me is his behaviour regarding shining a light on you to prevent you from sleeping. Intentional sleep deprivation is considered a form of torture and is against international human rights law.

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