[disclaimer]

No self-confidence, no way (I thought) to make money that didn't involve working with him, isolated from my family for a year and a half, living half-way across the country from them...then one day, in my most vulnerable moment, he surprised me by giving me a bloody nose and choking me.

I'm sorry you went through that sort of treatment from someone you had trusted.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Thank you. I was fortunate enough to have good friends who were older, who convinced me I didn't need to stay there, and that I made enough money to make it on my own. (They were actually co-workers, and one also managed an apartment complex - he loaned me furniture from a model until I got totally on my feet.)

I wish every woman living with an abuser could have the support I did. Unfortunately, it often doesn't work out that way.