This is the question that victims of Domestic Violence are asked repeatedly. It comes in different forms: “Why didn’t you leave him sooner?”, “Why did you stay with him for so long?”, “Why did you have children with him?”, “He couldn’t have been that bad if you stayed married to him for 20 years.” These question come from many different people. They come from well-meaning friends who you kept in the dark for years that can’t believe the strong and intelligent girl they knew years ago could ever find themselves in an abusive relationship. They come from the family members that love you but don’t understand how you could end…

When I was 25 years old, I began a very unhealthy relationship with my now ex-husband, Vincent. There were many red flags that I ignored and I eventually married a man that was physically, verbally, emotionally, psychologically, financially and sexually abusive to me. He was and continues to be controlling, manipulative, bitter and angry. He is a narcissist and he will never change because he thinks he is perfect. When my son, Devon, was born, I found the courage to leave Vincent. But, I now have to attempt to coparent with the same man that abused me for years because family courts believe children should have both parents in their…