I was just about to seek advice on how to handle it. I work in the human services so I know a great deal about intimate partner abuse (read "Why Does He Do That?). But first and foremost, I do not want to provoke the situation. I told her not to blame herself and to avoid him as much as possible and that she should change her locks since he has a key.

But I am not going to confront him about it yet. If or when I do, I will be as compassionate as possible, but not until I know she is out of harm's way.

Any advice would be gratefully received...