Domestic violence affecting women: fear. They are afraid of their or their children's rights if they intervene in any way. My sister has been married and divorced to the same man three time because of this.

If a woman is being beaten, odds are she will wind up dead. Family interference just makes things worse. Sometimes, there are no answers it seems; but don't take it. Don't make frequent trips to the emergency room while you are beaten and worried about your children.

Many women pull out of the driveway with the children to leave, only to return to the promise that it won't happen again. Statistically this is wrong. It will happen again, and again.

You must be brave and seek help from the police and the Department of Children's services. This is imperative. A violent husband will not be changed by you, nor therapy. Your life is at risk. What kind of life do you have anyway. Are you raped when he wants sex? Does he hit you because he can't find the shampoo? Does he cuddle you and tell you he's sorry and this won't happen again. It will. Take action as soon as possible. There are good people out there to help you. Don't be frustrated by the "red tape"; be strong as you have been in your marriage and don't give up. There is a life out there without abuse. There are loving and caring people.

Mostly, you must convince yourself it is not your fault. Self blame is a reason to go back and try and do better; but, there will always be something wrong.

"You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars. You have a right to be here." (Desiderata)

Learn more about this author, D. J. Poe.
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