marriage

[unregistered]

Hi can anyone help me. I'm a young mother of two boys. We belong to a church that is thriving and have known the Lord for a number of years now. Yesterday, my hsuband beat and kicked me so bad that I couldn't sleep at all last night. I had to sleep sitting up on the couch to ease the pain in my body and head. My husband occasionally hits me and does it in front of our two young boys. I have been living in fear which I know is not good at all. This was the worse it's ever been. I couldn't even take my son to school because my face was so messed up. I wanted to call the cops this morning, but I knew that that would be the end for him. I feel that I've let this go on to far, and my son's are also suffering, thinking that it's okay behaviour. How do I get out. I don't want to stay with him anymore knowing that he could do this to me again. Who knows, it could be three months down the track, and it could be worse.
If you can give me some wise advice I would like to hear from you. I know that if my family knew, they'd never forgive him.
Help me.
Stuck.

[Dave]

Something is clearly wrong in your husband's mind - physical abuse can never be tolerated in marriage as it clearly escalates.

Take a look at the area on the site on Domestic Violence (http://www.2-in-2-1.co.uk/marriageclinic/womenrisk/) where you will find quite a bit of advice and some contacts.

You don't say whether your husband is also part of the church - if he is, and you really believe he can change, then go together to your pastor or leader and talk to him/her.

Dave