Go to a women's shelter. They'll fill you in on your rights, so when he starts threatening you with taking away your kids, etc., you'll know he's just blowing smoke and won't cave to his demands (or will be less likely to). I didn't know about shelters, or I would have driven myself to one the night he left me with the kids in a public building and told me not to come home.

When you're ready to get out, get out. Don't tell him you're leaving and then wait around until you get everything in place. That only sets you up for more abuse.

Know that there are a lot of women who have been where you are and have gone on to have a better life without their abuser in it.