Dear Colleen,
My partner has recently lost his job and isn't coping very well.
He gets really angry sometimes and I just tell him everything is going to be fine.
However, recently his anger has resulted in him smashing up property and our house which we have worked so
hard to get. He hasn't been able to find work but I have so he feels like I'm the bread-winner and he is just a babysitter. He's not just a babysitter as it's an important role to care for our two children.
How can I get this message through to him, because if he doesn't pull through this I'm off with the kids.
-Patient partner
Dear Patient Partner,
Being patient and supporting a partner in times of difficulty and stress is an important part of a committed relationship. But the experience of many, many women is this type of violence escalates into violence against
them and their family.
The ability to be resilient in tough times and deal with challenges without harming others is a skill everyone needs to have-and it can be learned.
Rotorua Family Focus run programmes for men and women to deal with these issues.
You both need to get some support now before this gets any worse. If this behaviour doesn't stop your instincts are correct. Take the children and go.
Family Focus, 1231 Haupapa Street, Rotorua. Ph 346 2096 www.familyfocus.org.nz
-Colleen
NEED ADVICE? If you have a question for our Ask Colleen column email them to weekender@dailypost.co.nz.
Please keep questions to under 200 words. If you would like to make contact with Rotorua relationship counsellor Colleen Mullin you can email her at info@pillowtalkcounselling.com.