Dear Valued Users,
It's with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of StepTalk.org on August 31st, 2025.
This decision wasn't an easy one. For over twenty years, StepTalk has been a source of support for stepparents around the world! However, over the years, the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading the site to remain secure, meet current standards and maintain availability have become unsustainable.
We are incredibly grateful for your support, contributions and the community you've helped us build. Your engagement has made StepTalk.org a special place and we cherish the memories and connections made here.
We would especially like to thank Aniki for volunteering to be a moderator and for caring so much.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and we wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Dawn and The StepTalk Team
I suggest you go down to your
I suggest you go down to your local poice station and ask them. This will:
You are only asking for information and you are not asking them to intervene ... yet, but it makes you known. FWIW, abuse (domestic or otherwise) is abuse no matter who is responsible.
Start documenting everything
Start documenting everything that occurs that could be determined as abusive, wether the offender is an adult or a child. Stepchildren can and will be abusive towards their step parents.
Thanks for the replies. I am
Thanks for the replies. I am documenting everything. The abuse has been going on since I came here, but now it's reached peak levels from this one adult SK who has moved back in with us.
If it turns physical, which I do worry it might now, then I will call the police without hesitation.
But on the non-physically violent side, eg intimidation, constant harassment etc, I wondered if anyone here knew if domestic violence/abuse by an adult SK is taken seriously by the police, what sort of event would trigger them to pay a visit, do they just think "SK/SP issues, never mind".
Here it is, officially:
Here it is, officially:
"Domestic abuse, or domestic violence, is defined across Government as any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality. "
Please go and read the entire article. It's at https://www.cps.gov.uk/crime-info/domestic-abuse
I think you'll realize that you are absolutely being abused and that you have the right NOT TO BE. Do not minimize things. You have the right to feel safe in your own home.
Also, please stop thinking that they are going to brush it off with "SK/SP issues, never mind". That's akin to "oh, he beats his wife? No big deal, just an argument between spouses".
Please go to your local police station today, as I previously advised.
Obviously, no one should be
Obviously, no one should be allowed to abuse you physically or mentally.
However... this is nowhere near a new situation. I am not blaming you for it happening... but your partner/husband seems to be wholly uncaring and actually part and parcel to some of the abusive behavior.
At this point.. it's not "what can I do to get them in trouble".. it is what can I do to get my self the heck out of this horrible situation.
There is no threat of consequences that will resolve your situation. Unfortunately, your own husband is very likely to take his children's side.. so i have doubts that the law will be able to do anything. A he said/she said situation.. where they will have him as a witness.. and all your documenting could be seen as nothing more than a dramatic fabrication.
Just be kind to yourself and leave this mess. go see a lawyer and get all you are entitled to. If you can throw in some evidence..or documentation of your spouses lack of support and abuse.. you hopefully should make out fine.
Thank you everyone for your
Thank you everyone for your replies. The situation escalated, the SK had another outburst, this time I immediately walked away and he carried on shouting and ranting. I have updated the later thread about what has happened, the SK was asked to move out yesterday. A brother in law is now desperately trying to get his brother (my OH) to wake up and smell the coffee about what his sons do. I'm ready for my OH and me to separate anyway, I doubt he ever will wake up.