u/lookingforpieces

I know that divorce is ultimately what is needed, but I can’t let him have any custody of our children. He is an abusive alcoholic. The abuse started 7 years into our 12 year marriage. It’s not all the time, but it is escalating. Most of the time, it’s verbal (calling me cruel names, screaming fuck you, etc), but it has been physical several times (shoving, slapping, squeezing body parts until they are bruised, “lightly” punching me). He’s never purposely hurt our children, but with his anger and strength, I know it will happen if I’m not there. He already gets frustrated and yells at them. Sometimes he is apologetic, but most of the time, he blames his actions on me.

He controls all of the finances. He makes way more money than me. I have some evidence of abuse, but not enough to prove it in court, I fear. How do I get myself and my children out?