DEAR ABBY: I am in an unhappy relationship. We have two kids together, but I have reached my limit with him. When I try to express myself or tell him he hurt my feelings, he shoves me and brings me down.
I've been a stay-at-home mom for a while now, and I want my life back. He feels my place is at home, waiting on him hand and foot. I don't want this life anymore. I don't want him putting his hands on me or the kids. He has a bad past that involves the police and jail. How do I get my life back and keep my kids safe, too? -- CRYING OUT FOR HELP
DEAR CRYING OUT: Your abuser doesn't care about your feelings. All he cares about is having a live-in maid and bed partner. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org) by calling 1-800-799-7233 and start forming a safe escape plan for you and your children. If he puts his hands on before you are able to leave, call 911 and let the authorities deal with him.
If you have family nearby, and I pray you do, take the children and stay with them until you can find employment and start earning enough to get back on your feet. Do this not only for yourself, but also for your little ones. The living arrangement you have is not healthy for any of you, and if you don't get out of there ASAP, they will grow up thinking this is normal.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.