We have had several members post here about experiencing various forms of domestic violence. I hope the forum will give feedback and thoughts on this subject and post in this thread.
I was the victim of a con artist who turned stalker, and became violent, shortly after my divorce. I was very naive. The police referred to it as "domestic violence" since he had been my boyfriend and had lived in my house for a couple of months, though I had kicked him out when I discovered he was stealing from me, trying to sell my dog, and took a 13 year old to a motel! Yes, it was ridiculously bad, and embarrassing. This "man" had assured me he was not violent, though it culminated with him breaking into my house and trying to shoot me with a gun which had jammed. (I've always felt I had a guardian angel that night.)

My point in describing this again, is that I realize now that I was in denial about the danger this man presented. Friends were concerned for my safety, but I just said, "OH, he's not dangerous, just a pest!"

When one is enmeshed emotionally with another, it is very hard to see the forest for the trees....hard to see a way out, and almost impossible to imagine that one could end up dead.

Not meaning to be morose here, but I do hope that those members who have related experiences of violence at the hand of their partner will think long and hard about the implications. First of all, you are NOT trapped. You must think objectively, outside of the relationship, and specifically of ways you can get yourself out of it. I hope others here will have even better suggestions.
Love,
Patty