<font color="blue"> There are several of you here that are in what is considered an abusive relationship. Please know that you have members here at PC who care about you and wish you to be (and become forever) safe. I copy this here for you, and urge you to go to the website or call your local woman's shelter for better understanding of the situation you are in. </font>



Breaking the cycle: Difficult, but doable with help
Domestic violence is part of a continuing cycle that's difficult to break. If you're in an abusive situation, you may recognize this pattern:

Your abuser strikes using words or actions.
Your abuser may beg for forgiveness, offer gifts or promise to change.
Your abuser becomes tense, angry or depressed.
Your abuser promises to stop but repeats the abusive behavior.

Typically each time the abuse occurs, it worsens, and the cycle shortens. Breaking this pattern of violence alone and without help is difficult.

"When you live in an environment of chaos, stress and fear, you start doubting yourself and your ability to take care of yourself," says Patterson. "It can really unravel your sense of reality and self-esteem."

So it's important to recognize that you may not be in a position to resolve the situation on your own. You may need outside help, and that's OK. Without help, the abuse will likely continue. Leaving the abusive relationship may be the only way to break the cycle.

Blurb from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dom...olence/WO00044

National Domestic Violence Hotline
United States Department of Justice: Domestic Violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence