I most definitely will!

It's probably the most helpful and powerful thing we can do for someone.

Dragoness is right, It becomes a game, they are going to see how many times you will take them back; how many times they can control you- The honeymoon phase never lasts for long and each time the abuse gets worse.

I gave chance after chance -Like a fool and it nearly costed me my life. I truly believe as I lay on the kitchen floor almost strangled to death one night that the only thing that brought me back was the knowledge that if I died he would have my children and there would be no one there to protect them. That was the end of the line for me!

It took me 2 weeks to formulate a plan and get out but I was freakin June Cleaver for those 2 weeks. And one day he went to work and I rented a truck- Literally "threw" everything out my front door and into the back of that truck I could as fast as I could and left. He was a hard one to shake and he tried the sweet thing, when that didnt work he threatened me, my grandmother and everyone I loved. He stalked me at work and I called the law on him
and filed as many reports as it took.
I didnt speak to him or try to contact him in any way. I was done.
When we went to court he had a new girlfriend with him, As he went into the mens room I tried to warn her. But she didnt listen. She thought I was jealous and wanted him back.
Two years later he shot her in the parking lot of her work place and then took his own life. When I read that in the paper I fell to my knees- knowing that very well could have been me.

I had to leave my town- my job, not visit my family for almost 9 months to make this break from him and make him know I meant to never see him again. I spent so much time looking over my shoulder out of fear - THIS is the reason I am very careful about who I talk to, or let close to me. I will never allow someone to make me a prisoner in my own home ever again.

Do what ever it takes to get out. Possessions are not worth it. if you have to leave with the clothes on your back and thats it then do it.

I had a friend who went through this as well. She said that she felt that police, charges, restraingin orders and courtroom custody battles were the worst thing she could do to her kids.

I'll tell your friend what I told mine..."Do you think any of these things are worse than having to burry their mother?"

Even if it doesn't come to that...making them watch the abuse continue is far worse than any courtrooms. Witnessing abuse alters how children think of relationships and can even hamper their ability to love...even their own children.

An update...First of all, she was overwhelmed at the caring of others. So, a huge thank you to the wonderful Minglers who took the time to comment. Secondly, she is taking the appropriate legal actions...even as you read this. Finally...You made a difference, folks. God bless each and every one of you