Hello!

I have plans to leave my partner in the next 12 to 18 months. And I need advice how to keep face between now and then. I haven’t left due to financial security and I am about to secure a new career which would help me save some more money.

I’ve been at the hands of financial abuse for years and he never had money, but always has money for himself and his weed. I am awakening to this after 10 plus years.
We have two kids 8 and 6. They would be devastated, but don’t know what I’m going through. I drink too much, too regularly, to cope.
I know many leave regardless and I have support if I did, but I’m very independent and want to do it on my own. He always made sure he paid minimal child support for his previous relationship as he is a sole trade. And I know he will do the same. How do I keep going?
Background, I already tried to leave 12 months ago with full support of family but he sucked me back in and said he will change.
Do I give in and not try and save my dignity in this situation?


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  • If he is abusive – leave immediately. There are payments to help with that sort of thing


  • Stay for as long as you can. The kids will never forgive you for leaving.


  • I’d suggest to get some additional support from a Counsellor that can help you unpack your feelings and provide additional coping strategies. You don’t have to tell your partner. They will be able to help you prepare for the separation and develop safety plans, if needed.


  • I went through this and still currently am I have 4 kids
    I ended it because no matter how many time he said he’d change things never did and I don’t work currently as I’m a stay at home mum so that’s very difficult but
    Don’t just stay I understand financially it’s working but don’t let this man keep controlling you on this you are an independent women who knows her worth


  • Leave as soon as you can. Do not wait! The quicker you are out of the situation the quicker your children will feel happier and getting help from your family will increase the ties with your children. Everyone needs some help and you deserve it now, you can always pay them back for any financial help received once you are in your better job. Some financial and emotional counselling would also be beneficial to you. Good luck – happiness for all of you is around the corner.


  • Firstly, proud of you for admitting you deserve more and creating a plan.
    Children thrive in two happy homes opposed to one. They will be sensitive to your feelings right now and it will be more beneficial in the long run having a happy mum.

    Start saving whatever you can now. If you cannot have a bank account, hide cash. Purchase gift cards whilst doing your normal groceries etc.
    you know what he has done regarding child support previously, you can actually ask child support to do a full comprehensive check on him.


  • You sound like you have reached the end of your patience with him. You know that he won’t change because said he would before. If you have people you can turn to and will give you full support, then do it in your own time. You need to cut back on your drinking though so he can’t throw that in your face. The children will be happy to see the change in you.


  • I have no advice but to say well done for starting to take the first steps.


  • If you have people to support you, who will willingly support you, go to them. Don’t wait. It’ll be tough for everyone for a while, whether you go now or later. Bite the bullet


  • If you have the support, I wouldn’t be waiting that long just get it done so you can start living your life with your babies, happy. Also use this time to stop the alcohol and focus on building back a great life with your kidlets. Good luck


  • Take your children with you, lest he do what my son-in-law did to my daughter for Derk took charge of the children when Michelle went away for a weekend, and he changed the locks and wouldn’t let her in. i had to ring and beg him for her clothes. It’s been six months and he’s only just now letting he have the kids for half the holidays. I hope you have a better experience than my daughter, Michelle has.


  • Reaching out to support services can be of assistance.


  • While preparing try to get help with your drinking too. Maybe counseling would help you both


  • It sounds like it would be more beneficial for you to leave now rather than later. 12-18 months is a long time to stay in an unhappy and unhealthy relationship. There is support out there. You already have support from your family by the sounds of it. The fact that you are drinking more than you would like in order to cope indicates how bad it is for you. Its time for you to have your happy life back.


  • I have never been in your shoes before but i know for myself, i would not be waiting. The fact that you have already given him another chance and he hasn’t changed. I highly recommend leaving soon especially if you have the support of family. Maybe it is time to leave before your start your new career? Good luck and remember to do what is right for you and your kids, you only live once and should not be having to deal with this.


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