Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Step-parenting

Connect with other Mumsnetters here for step-parenting advice and support.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

please please help really scared

433 replies

scarlettandrhett · 20/09/2014 19:44

DH and I have our own DS and DH has a DD my DSD.

Getting contact was horrendous as ex stopped all contact when she found out about me. I was not the OW. I met DH long after they split up, they were not married.
During the court hearing and out of the blue, she phones me and wants a agreement over contact that we can put before the judge. The suggestion she gave was what DH had wanted. The judge stamped the order.
My gut was telling me that as long as DH played by her rules, all would be ok but if he stepped out of line, all hell would break loose.

Contact was great for the next 3 years. We got DSD more than the court order stated. I became ex "new best friend" and DH and I played her game.

Last month, DH made a geniune mistake over drop off and she went nuts, calling DH every name under the son. DH had had enough and told her so. Yes, contact was stopped, all attempts at communication were stopped.

About 3 hours ago, she came to our door and said she wanted to sort it out. Like a fool, I let her in.
I cannot believe what happened next and even as I write this I feel that I will wake up from a dream.

She proceded to tell us if we take her back to court, she will say DH was abusing DSD. She said that even though it is not true the fallout will affect our own DS. She said she will go to SS with these claims and will say she has real fears for my DS as well. She will go to the police and ensure our DS is removed from our home until an investigation is completed. She said she will tell SS that was why she stopped contact. She is a teacher and knows what do. I thought DH was going to go for her. She was calm, not shouting, screaming, just very calm and smiled through it all.

I cannot believe this is happening, I cannot even find the words to describe it. After she said this, it is all a haze, she walked out our home them. What do we do? What happens. I am really scared now.

I have changed my name

OP posts:
Finola1step · 20/09/2014 20:43

I too am involved in child protection and safeguarding in a professional capacity.

Report her now. What she is doing is blackmailing you and emotionally abusing her own dc.

Call your local duty social services line or 101. Or both. A child is at risk here, your DSD.

Even if she went on to make allegations and your ds was interviewed, he would not be asked explicit questions as this would be seen as "leading questions" which is a big no no and will often halt an investigation.

Consider talking to a solicitor re taking out a non molestation order against the woman wrt you and your son.

Write down the whole conversation as you recall it because you will need to keep the facts straight in your own head.

This woman is a disgrace to the profession, report her, push that she is charged. Hope she loses her job because I wouldn't want her in my school or to be looking after my dc that's for sure.

Momagain1 · 20/09/2014 20:43

Just saw you are acting. It is the best for everyone, especially DSD.

Effic · 20/09/2014 20:44

I have (unfortunately) had to sit in on some of these 'interviews' with children which have always ONLY happened if the interview with the adults have thrown up any concerns or there is a past history or the school reports that the child is showing inappropriate sexualised behaviour. They don't ask any explicit questions - they ask about who the child feels safe with and why, whether any adults have asked them to do anything they don't like/ feel uncomfortable with and if they are keeping any secrets for adults - that kind of thing - nothing sexual.

blueemerald · 20/09/2014 20:44

I work a school where we are in the unenviable position if having to make 1-10 reports of serious neglect or abuse to SSA each week. These are accusations initiated by the child 80% of the time. I have been there a year (sept to sept) and no child has been removed from their home yet. Don't believe everything in tbe press.

Fairyfellowsmasterstroke · 20/09/2014 20:44

OP - well done on contacting the police.

In doing so you are actually protecting your son (and DSD).

If you hadn't notified the authorities and the ex followed through with her threat things could be harder for you. Trust the system - you have 100% done the right thing.

DancingDinosaur · 20/09/2014 20:45

Don't stress op. You are absolutely 100 percent doing the right thing. Her status does not give her any more credibility than anyone else. Social workers know this. Its ok to be scared and say that. Its understandable. The police and social work will know that too. Now you just need to say exactly what happened.

Finola1step · 20/09/2014 20:46

X post. Well done, your dh has done the absolute right thing. I think you should ask MNHQ to pull this thread just in case.

lunar1 · 20/09/2014 20:47

Thank god your DH called the police. He has to protect his dd from this.

Kahlua4me · 20/09/2014 20:47

This happened a few years ago to someone I know. His ex wife contacted ss to "report" him. They all had to go through the motions. Contact was stopped for a few months and there was a court hearing etc.

Anyway, end result is that he, the dad, got full custody and the mother only has very limited supervesed access.

Also, another friend was reported to ss by her ex. They again went through the motions, but nothing happened. They are very experienced and trained to deal with vindictive ex partners.

LumpySpacedPrincess · 20/09/2014 20:48

He has done the right thing. What a horrible situation to be in.

LatteLoverLovesLattes · 20/09/2014 20:59
Brew

I hope the police get there soon and can give you some reassurance.

Castlemilk · 20/09/2014 21:02

Thank God, you've done the right thing.

You will be ok, really. Please stay here for support, talking - it will help, and there are lots of people here with personal and professional experiece who will be able to hand hold, listen and provide info and context on what might happen next.

It really will be ok and you have absolutely done the right thing.

Jux · 20/09/2014 21:03

Good luck op, well done on contacting the police, a brave thing to do but the right thing. I feel immensely sorry for your dsd; she has to be protected from this mad behaviour (and so do your dh's ex's pupils).

Maybe83 · 20/09/2014 21:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EvilEmperorZurg · 20/09/2014 21:06

My DSD (coached for years by her bitter and vindictive mother) did this to dh when she was in her late teens. He was crushed - the police knew straight away that there was more to it but it still had to be taken seriously. He had to be interviewed and I was terrified that she would try to take it further - she didn't but even so refused to withdraw her statement. They re-established their relationship but I feel she's too much of a wild-card to be in MY and my kids company. She still holds it over dh - kind of as a (very serious) joke, she's now 25. It's a scary threat because mud sticks even if there's no truth to it and any sort of abuse allegation is the nastiest but stickiest type of mud. Definitely try to get a record of her threats.

wheresthelight · 20/09/2014 21:07

glad your dh has contacted them, I know you are terrified but you are absolutely doing the right thing!!

I had to have an SS evaluation when I was pregnant due to my anxiety and depression, long history, complete denial of being pregnant and some other issues. I was terrified but believe me when I say it was no where near as scary as I had imagined. the social worker could not have been more lovely and has been very instrumental in getting me additional support if I felt I needed it

Itsfab · 20/09/2014 21:13

Thank God you have phoned.

Your child WILL NOT Have to answer questions you don't want them too. The police are trained and unfortunately will have had this happen before.

Your DH's ex clearly isn't caring about the children, nor has she thought this through, as it is an horrendous thing to put a child through and I would think her employers wouldn't be impressed either. A teacher, is she?

Write everything down now while it is fresh in your mind and remember you did the right thing.

Never give in to bullies.

Confused26 · 20/09/2014 21:15

Didn't want to read and run. What an awful situation and what a horrific, vile individual this ex is.

I'm so pleased you're reporting this. It's absolutely the right thing to do and I'm sure everyone will see through the lies she's throwing out. Lots of respect for you all.

DanaBarrett · 20/09/2014 21:21

You're doing exactly the right thing. We went through a stage last year where we believed the ex would pull a similar stunt (we were on the brink of going back to court). I'm lucky enough to have young children and work with HVs. On my colleagues advice we made an appointment with our HV because I was also concerned that my DDs would be involved. She was fabulous and very reassuring. Also she assured us that, because she knew the full picture, she could watch out for anything coming in and would make sure that SS we're aware of our side, hopefully stopping any involvement at all (we could both stand to lose our jobs if SS BECAME INVOLVED, never mind if they investigated!). Stay calm, tell them everything. For my viewpoint your DSD could also be in danger here, as well as the children the ex teaches.

Just from that you have a duty to report this. Good luck and keep us posted xxx

Nancery · 20/09/2014 21:21

What an awful situation! Like everyone has said, take control now. You have absolutely nothing to hide, whereas she has everything to lose.
I also think you ought to get MN to delete this thread, just in case.
Good luck xx

SlicedAndDiced · 20/09/2014 21:21

Well done op Flowers

You and your dp have been very brave.

Now you have it logged you at least have some protection from her accusations.

I hope things settle down for you all soon. What a horrible thing to go through.

DanaBarrett · 20/09/2014 21:22

Apologies for caps lock there xxx

ellenjames · 20/09/2014 21:39

My Dh ex threatened us with the exact same thing, it took 4 years for us to see his children again as we were too scared about the consequences for our 3 dc's. It is heartbreaking xx

pictish · 20/09/2014 21:43

I am gobsmacked at her malice!!
I am very glad your dh called the police. This needs to be recorded.

What a thoroughly horrible person. Rotten to the core.

Coolas · 20/09/2014 21:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Swipe left for the next trending thread