Family Forum / Marriage / Marriage / July 2007

The situation you describe is unfortunately all too common.
There is a great deal of irony in the man's controlling actions
actually instigating the sort of behavior he most fears.  He needs
help, but so
does the woman.  Controlling men often use threats, if not outright
violence, to keep their victims in line.

It is imperitive that the woman have a place to go, and a plan for
what to do once she escapes.  The stereotypical situation from the
local women's shelter here, is that the guy beats up his woman, she
leaves, files charges, hides for a few days, then goes back in hopes
of "making it work out" - [repeat until one is dead or in prison].

Any escape without a commitment to beneficial therapy for both mother
and child is pointless, and ultimately destructive.  As for the
police and restraining orders, both are essentially worthless until a
crime has already been commited.

Suggest that she get a bigger, stronger, meaner bodyguard to live with
her while she helps daddy get his act together.

Good luck, you'll both need it.
Larry G.