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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

Seeking gentle support after recognising abuse and coercive control

376 replies

Becksta1 · 27/04/2026 18:44

Hello. I posted on here last July and the previous post can be seen following this link.
It was kindly suggested to me to consider doing another post to maybe get further support. I’m not sure where I’m at emotionally and truly what I want. It’s a process I guess and I think it will be a long tough one 😞
I can’t really say what I need but I’ve spoken to Women’s Aid who have said there’s sexual abuse, financial abuse and coercive control in my relationship of 24 years. Any support, gentle advice, or a virtual shoulder to lean on is much appreciated.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5370025-husband-wont-let-me-do-the-food-shop?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

OP posts:
Thread gallery
14
Becksta1 · 03/05/2026 22:51

goodThingGonewrong · 03/05/2026 17:07

i really don’t see how you’ve given mixed messages. You’ve basically given in. We can tell when desire is reciprocated when a partner touches sexually and you reciprocate. That’s not the case: you haven’t kissed, touched or done anything but lie there letting him have sex. @Becksta1 even if you have orgasmed through unwanted sex or abuse, that can be confusing but it’s a normal reaction of the body and no fault or witho. Your control.

For example, if my partner wants sex, he will suggest it verbally and I will say yes or no. Same if he touches me or kisses passionately. If I return the touching and kissing, he knows I’ve given consent. There have been times where I’ve just said no if he started to touch and he stopped immediately and just kissed my forehead. That’s what consent looks like. I also had surgery a while back, when I was ready for sex, I suggested it. When we did have sex, or were leading to it he checked many times I was ok and not in pain. It was the most awkward sex that time but I felt safe and he was nervous about hurting me.

Edited

Thank you. I faked it to get it done tbh. My counsellor once said that the body responding is like when you sneeze, it’s kinda involuntary. Always stuck with me.

I’m glad your partner is so attentive and kind to you. I hope your DC is doing okay after A&E.

OP posts:
Becksta1 · 03/05/2026 23:02

goodThingGonewrong · 03/05/2026 17:15

Also what concerns me is your friends reaction, I know in real life it’s harder to explain the situation and you probably didn’t want her to completely hate your husband. Does she know you suffered SA as a child tooo? I certainly would not be feeling sorry for any friend’s husband if he was touching her in her sleep and buying her sleeping pills. Did you convert how terrifying it is? The sofa was too bloody good for him.

Edited

I was being fed the line from the MHT and I wanted to believe it, but I probably didn’t too. It just didn’t sit right. She did say she didn’t believe what he said, but in every way my marriage seemed lovely, especially to everyone else. It’s true to say that I didn’t want her to dislike him. i told her about the CSA (not who did it) at the same time. She was lovely about it and wasn’t dismissive.

I still can’t find it in me not to love and care about him. I know I’m going to have to battle with those feelings and somehow try and push through. I don’t even know if I want to see my friend tomorrow, but I need to cry and I can’t, and she might hold me.

OP posts:
Becksta1 · 03/05/2026 23:06

THATsummergirlera · 03/05/2026 21:17

I haven't read your previous thread but I have just read this one and couldn't not comment.

I spent many years with a man who touched and had sex with me when I was asleep / was pretending to be asleep in the hope he would leave me alone. I would also at times "let him" have sex with me to make life more tolerable.

I still don't know how or when this started or why but in the last couple of years of our relationship my eyes began to open and I started to see things for what they were and eventually I left him.

My life is so much better now. I dont dread the sound of his key in the door while I lie pretending to sleep. I feel safe and relaxed in my own home.

I never went to the police or really spoke about the abusive side of our relationship to people but I did begin to open up about how unhappy I had become in the relationship and I found this talking gave me strength

You can get out. You can do this. Keep going. You are strong.

I am so sorry that this happened to you. I am so glad you have found peace and are here, sharing your story.

OP posts:
NormasArse · 03/05/2026 23:10

Becksta1 · 28/04/2026 20:15

To be honest, today I was feeling like deleting the threads because I just don’t know where I’m at and can’t just leave, and honestly lots of the time, I don’t know if I want to and I know it’s wrong. On the practical things, I’m not very clever and I live in a rural county so I don’t even know if I could get a job easily or how I’d even navigate that with my two kids who need me very much. My thoughts just get very dark and sad. I am hoping for a raise in spirits soon. I haven’t seen my friend for a while (not hubby fault) but she does help raise my spirits.

You don’t sound, ‘not very clever’. You are articulate.

Becksta1 · 03/05/2026 23:13

I think he’s kept me small, I was with him at 16, moved in with his family not long after and he asked me after 3 months together to marry him. I never grew.

OP posts:
goodThingGonewrong · 03/05/2026 23:29

Becksta1 · 03/05/2026 23:13

I think he’s kept me small, I was with him at 16, moved in with his family not long after and he asked me after 3 months together to marry him. I never grew.

Yes exactly this. And he knows you are bigger than he lets you be and feels threatened. I hope you see him for the vile abuser he is. And think about what I said as health problems are around the comer for him at 22 stone! You do not want to be his carer and lose many more precious years of your life! I agree with a pp, you are intelligent amd able to express yourself in a very mindful way.

goodThingGonewrong · 03/05/2026 23:34

And thank you, dd2 is ok, she had a massive deep splinter they were unable to remove. She’s had treatment and we go back Tuesday for them to try remove it again :) should be ok. Caring of you to ask. You take care and I hope you see your friend tomorrow, she sounds absolutely amazing and I’m glad someone has your back in real life. As a pp said, you can also listen to her and be her comfort, you sound lovely x

goodThingGonewrong · 03/05/2026 23:35

Becksta1 · 03/05/2026 23:13

I think he’s kept me small, I was with him at 16, moved in with his family not long after and he asked me after 3 months together to marry him. I never grew.

A caged bird can still sing. Remember that and that your situation is not permanent, you will get out when you are ready.

RS1987 · 04/05/2026 16:32

You are clever and strong and one day you will remember him and see how much stronger and cleverer than him you are.

Becksta1 · 05/05/2026 01:17

goodThingGonewrong · 03/05/2026 23:34

And thank you, dd2 is ok, she had a massive deep splinter they were unable to remove. She’s had treatment and we go back Tuesday for them to try remove it again :) should be ok. Caring of you to ask. You take care and I hope you see your friend tomorrow, she sounds absolutely amazing and I’m glad someone has your back in real life. As a pp said, you can also listen to her and be her comfort, you sound lovely x

That sounds painful. I do hope they can get it out 🙏

OP posts:
Becksta1 · 05/05/2026 02:03

I can’t sleep tonight. I don’t know how I feel. I don’t want hubby to be sad, I don’t want to hurt anyone. I don’t think I care about me. I want to give hubby a hug, even now, I did this afternoon, he hugged me and I didn’t feel nothing and it didn’t feel awkward. Was starting to think he suspected something, he knows I’m not right, I’m dissociative, and forcing presence. I think I’m probably just overthinking and hyper vigilant because I’m opening up with others about us. It feels like cheating. Fortunately these moments pass and within a couple of days if I feel like everything is okay and I manage to convince myself that everything is fine between us I will feel better. I know that’s not helpful.

His health is always on my mind. He’s on medication for high blood pressure and his health won’t get better because that isn’t his priority. But I struggle to think of him on his own and I don’t want him to be sick or sad. I’d hope he’d improve his health for our beautiful DCs. I can’t imagine not having him in my life. He does so much for me. So much. I was thinking if I do decide to end the marriage, maybe it will be gentler on us both if I sat him down and told him? Then we could work the next plan together and it should make it easier for us both with no hard feelings and we can then work out how we are going to raise the children.

I saw my beautiful friend, she was open that she hates hubby. She thinks he’s a narcissist. I know it’s because she sees what he does, and the pain he’s caused. I know this is probably a natural response to someone hurting your friend. I don’t want that for her though, I don’t want her to carry so much because of me, I hate putting her through this. I know how much she wants me to leave. I’m at the point where I’m recognising what he’s done, but I don’t feel like I can leave. It doesn’t feel natural to know someone is abusing you and to not instantly want out. I’ve realised though, that the person I wish I could leave for to make her feel better is my friend. She told me she’s concerned and worries about me. I don’t like hearing that. It makes me feel responsible I think. I’d do anything for anyone, anything, but I can’t do this for her yet. How can I even tell her that? It’s the most helpless I’ve ever felt. I need to feel ready 😢

She said she’s worried that when she’s suggested we go for a walk etc and I’ve gone I might have been punished because of her and she worries that it might not be the right thing to do. What can you say to that? He has punished me, not consistently, sometimes the keys have been in the door so I can’t unlock, sexual touching in the night although that might be a coincidence, or he says I can’t do bedtime with our DD because I take too long (she likes me to lie in bed with her and snuggle for a bit whereas he wants me downstairs) but he never sticks to it. Maybe it’s what WA said about him not being consistent to add to my confusion, but I also think he doesn’t stick to it because it requires more effort.
It’s not my friends fault though and I still like to see her because otherwise, I am on my own and isolated. I don’t want her to feel responsible.

I’m going to a retreat morning in some woodland on Friday, it’s for empowering women. My best friend and I are going. It will be way out of my comfort zone. We’ll be throwing axes apparently! It’s hosted by a man and woman, I’m worried about the man a bit because they scare me but I’ll feel safe having her with me. She knows my vulnerabilities and goes out of her way to make me feel safe and supported. I think you asked me once @goodThingGonewrong if I had like a mother figure type, well she is mine. She’s a few years younger but very gentle and caring, but has a protectiveness in her too.

She has ordered the book for me that you recommended @Agapornis It might take me a while to read because I won’t bring it home but maybe some reading will help.

OP posts:
alexdgr8 · 05/05/2026 11:53

OP
Why do you see yourself as subservient to him.

This is different from survival techniques of freeze or fawn etc.
Not so much what you do or have to do to get by.
But your own mental acceptance or so it seems reading this that he won't let you...
Or does punish you
That you take too long
Spend too much...etc

How is he the arbiter of all that is right or

rational

Do you assume that all marriages are like this?
Or that SAHMs are lesser than employed?

ThisJadeBear · 05/05/2026 11:56

Just to reassure you good friends are pretty resilient.
Your friend really wants to be there for you - don’t worry about her as well.

Agapornis · 05/05/2026 12:45

Your friend sounds great. I'm sure you'll have a great time at the women's retreat. You could ask her to contact them in advance to ask e.g. that the man doesn't approach you.

He isn't consistent because if it were 100% negative all of the time, you would have ended the relationship much sooner. He intends to be confusing but would never tell you so. Have you heard of the film Gaslight? Watch the British version from 1940, you might see some similarities.

goodThingGonewrong · 05/05/2026 15:15

I wanted to unpick your post but by bit from early this morning.
The comment “ he does so much for me” is surface level. He does so much as he doesn’t allow you to do the food shop, go to work or have privacy on the toilet. He’s made you dependent on him by restricting you on so many levels. He’s not doing anything for you out of kindness. He tracks your steps when you are out so you fear being 5 mins too late. We works from home to control your every move. He’s not doing anything apart from controlling you. I want you to think about that and not being so grateful. It will help you start to change your view of him.

alexdgr8 · 05/05/2026 15:26

Oh yes. I'd forgotten about the toilet intrusion.
It gets worse and worse.
OP you sound like a prisoner grateful not to be actually tortured on the rack.
With a life sentence.
Do you think you have been brainwashed ?
Because it makes no sense to the man or woman on the Clapham omnibus.
How can you love someone who gives you no privacy or respect. ?
Would you feel happy if your children took up with someone who treated them like that.?

ThisJadeBear · 05/05/2026 16:05

Your post earlier this morning. You were lying awake worrying about a man who abuses, hurts and rapes you.
As PP says, he doesn’t do a lot FOR you, he does a lot to STOP you having a life. You are worried about buying a special offer in a shop for a couple of quid in case he kicks off.
Having to lock a bathroom in your own home is like what we women have to do when alone in case a stranger gets in the house and hurts us.
No woman should feel like that in her own home, and the man hitting her is husband.
Him not looking after his health is another form of control, and a sick one. There are people out there far more sick/disabled through no fault of their own and who live alone. I think you’d find if he found himself on his own he’d sort his health out.
The control over DC bedtimes is heartbreaking - he’s literally jealous of you giving love to a child you created equally. That’s how much he is prepared to take from both you and your children.

goodThingGonewrong · 05/05/2026 20:27

@Becksta1 are you ok?

Becksta1 · 05/05/2026 22:24

goodThingGonewrong · 05/05/2026 20:27

@Becksta1 are you ok?

I am. Sorry, I’m just a bit overwhelmed so struggling today.

Did they manage to get the splinter out? Xx

OP posts:
goodThingGonewrong · 05/05/2026 23:00

Becksta1 · 05/05/2026 22:24

I am. Sorry, I’m just a bit overwhelmed so struggling today.

Did they manage to get the splinter out? Xx

Bless you, that’s ok darling I know it’s very hard reading all these comments. Yes thank you, we got to A&.E for 8am and were seen quickly. It was honestly such a thick splinter but thank god its out! Thank you for asking ❤️
@Becksta1 when things feel too heavy you can always come on here for a chat. Maybe tomorrow we can all introduce ourselves a bit? Because you are laying your soul bare to us so I think it’s only fair we introduce as we normally do when wr meet each other? What do you think? Sending you a hand hold, it will be ok xxx

Becksta1 · 06/05/2026 15:54

alexdgr8 · 05/05/2026 11:53

OP
Why do you see yourself as subservient to him.

This is different from survival techniques of freeze or fawn etc.
Not so much what you do or have to do to get by.
But your own mental acceptance or so it seems reading this that he won't let you...
Or does punish you
That you take too long
Spend too much...etc

How is he the arbiter of all that is right or

rational

Do you assume that all marriages are like this?
Or that SAHMs are lesser than employed?

Tbh I’m not even sure. I feel like slowly since covid when he started to WFH my confidence has slowly been eroded, and then more so since 2023. Challenging is tiring, being confused is tiring, I try, but sometimes it’s easier to just give in

I don’t think SAHM are worth less, they work so hard, and I know that most marriages aren’t like this too.

I do take responsibility for the ways I’ve isolated myself and I’m hoping with little changes I can build that.

OP posts:
Becksta1 · 06/05/2026 15:57

Becksta1 · 06/05/2026 15:54

Tbh I’m not even sure. I feel like slowly since covid when he started to WFH my confidence has slowly been eroded, and then more so since 2023. Challenging is tiring, being confused is tiring, I try, but sometimes it’s easier to just give in

I don’t think SAHM are worth less, they work so hard, and I know that most marriages aren’t like this too.

I do take responsibility for the ways I’ve isolated myself and I’m hoping with little changes I can build that.

I’ll just add too, and I apologise if I’ve misread. I still do freeze, and dissociate which isn’t something I have any control of. And my survival is sometimes giving in for some messed up form of control which is less painful.

OP posts:
Becksta1 · 06/05/2026 16:00

goodThingGonewrong · 05/05/2026 23:00

Bless you, that’s ok darling I know it’s very hard reading all these comments. Yes thank you, we got to A&.E for 8am and were seen quickly. It was honestly such a thick splinter but thank god its out! Thank you for asking ❤️
@Becksta1 when things feel too heavy you can always come on here for a chat. Maybe tomorrow we can all introduce ourselves a bit? Because you are laying your soul bare to us so I think it’s only fair we introduce as we normally do when wr meet each other? What do you think? Sending you a hand hold, it will be ok xxx

I’m so glad it’s been removed. Sounds like some splinter! Hopefully the wound heals quickly now.

Thank you, I think I just got overwhelmed xx

OP posts:
goodThingGonewrong · 06/05/2026 16:50

Becksta1 · 06/05/2026 15:57

I’ll just add too, and I apologise if I’ve misread. I still do freeze, and dissociate which isn’t something I have any control of. And my survival is sometimes giving in for some messed up form of control which is less painful.

I did not want to read abc run but it’s very important on this thread that people understand that when you are married to an abuser, it’s not an option to fight back. It could be dangerous and sounds like it would be. The fear is real, it’s not an imaginary thing. The op knows he’s capable of further isolating her, sexually abusing her as well as biting. He is physically x 4 of her,

@Becksta1 it’s perfectly normal in your situation to freeze and disassociate as this has been your coping mechanism since you were a child. Of course you are very scared.

goodThingGonewrong · 06/05/2026 16:50

Becksta1 · 06/05/2026 16:00

I’m so glad it’s been removed. Sounds like some splinter! Hopefully the wound heals quickly now.

Thank you, I think I just got overwhelmed xx

Me too! Honestly that bloody splinter!

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