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Advice please on how to help son in an abusive relationship

(8 Posts)
Love59 Tue 13-Dec-22 17:28:09

My son has managed to leave his emotionally abusive wife but there are children involved whom he adores. He’s having counselling but still has to deal with her capricious behaviour re access etc. We’re all at a loss as to how to help. I think her behaviour ticks all the boxes for NPD but we’re in an “emperor’s new clothes” situation where we’re afraid to say anything for fear of her wrath descending on him and causing problems and upset.

silverlining48 Tue 13-Dec-22 17:42:43

My advice would be to keep out of their relationship, it won’t help, but support your son in what must be a difficult situation for him and for you all.

Theexwife Tue 13-Dec-22 18:12:42

You cannot walk on eggshells with her in case she makes contact with the children difficult, this could go on for years.

Your son will have to go down the legal route, it will cause a lot of problems initially but will calm down and will be better in the long term.

jeanie99 Tue 13-Dec-22 21:50:37

Your son needs to speak to a solicitor for advice. There may be areas of his relationship he will not want to speak to you about and you should respect this. Give him all the help you can and say if he needs anything you are there for him.

Ashcombe Tue 13-Dec-22 21:58:45

My son suffered an acrimonious separation from his partner and went through mediation to sort out arrangements for him to have access to their child.

www.familymediationcouncil.org.uk/

I hope that helps.

Allsorts Tue 13-Dec-22 22:58:12

That's awful Love 59 but I would try not to get involved but help your son to get advice, he needs to see a solicitor, maybe an appointment at Citizens Advice first as to his options. She will probably use the children as pawns if she's abusuve. A bad situation all round but he should go for joint parenting.

Love59 Wed 14-Dec-22 12:04:32

Thank you all for that advice. Will try to hold back and be patient, it’s just so heartbreaking and infuriating as well

Septimia Wed 14-Dec-22 13:14:29

Solicitor and mediation are both worth while.

DS was in a similar situation, although it was his ex that decided to end things, and used both. He still hates having to deal with her but has found that by being politely firm he has gained some respect from her and things are on a more even keel.

I suggest that your son stands firm and calm, fights the battles that are necessary or that he knows he can prevail in and that he does that in the way he feels will be most effective.