Mine has been physically, sexually and verbally abusive to me since our first born was approx. 3 mos old. Has been threating to divorce me since then also. We now have 2 children and as the typical DV abuser things have gotten worse. He discipline methods are inappropriate for the children. He killed my cat this past year and there have been many other things in the past several years. I finally called the police and have been told by several friends and family (both sides) of how proud they are of me. They keep telling me how strong I am. I was told that I empowered 2 women in my support group to do the same since I basically didn't stand for it anymore. DV abusers aren't going to change and you need to break the cycle for your children's sake. I kept thinking that he would change. He had me to the point where I didn't know how to cut a vegetable or he even wrote the grocery list for me, even though I know how to do all of these things. In the course of this past year a lot of terrible things have happened and I needed to make a decision if the kids and I were going to be happy or were the kids and I going to live in CONSTANT FEAR of their Dad. He hurt me one night recently and I called the police and that was the end to that. We have a no contact order, restraining order(myself and the kids and residence) and I am now filing for a divorce/custody/and will be going back to school to earn my degree. He hasn't given me any $$$ for the past month, but it will all work out. Just looks bad in court and proves how bad he really is. YOU CAN DO THIS. Just take small steps. It will be hard at times and you will remember the good times, but keep remembering the bad so you will stay in check with your goals. It just takes the first step. Many churchs or the YWCA or other organizations in your area offer support groups for DV seek them out they really empowerd me and gave me alot of good information. Besure to keep a journal and if you get hurt document everything - keep photos, etc. in a safe place. Have a safety plan. BE SAFE. Best of luck to you!