Viv, that is an amazing story. Thanks for telling it.

I'm just now coming up on the eighth anniversary of leaving an abusive relationship. Yes, there is indeed a way out, and there is life in abundance after abuse.

The things that helped me the most were adhering to strict no-contact (communicating with ex only through my legal counsel), and making the acquaintance of a lively support forum where I could rant about my experiences.

Fear, lack of resources and damaged self-esteem are three major complications that keep people in bad relationships (or draw them back in if they did leave... Not many people leave and stay gone on the first try.) Access to knowledgeable people, interim financial support and supportive friends, family, employers and clergy can literally make the difference between life and death.