Tony: I appreciate your incredibly compassionate and thoughtful response. I feel overwhelmed that another (you) connects, acknowledges, fortifies and sees an experience that is mine. This is causing me to ponder the powerful impact of showing another person that they are "seen" and validated in their experience.

Sanctity of marriage: term created and adopted by politically religious forces. The marketing of it and acceptance is devastating in it's control and abuse.

*covenant violated by abuse: yes

*man as head of household doctrine: yes sickening! Powerfully well said on all of that!

*unlike sharia law: I have been thinking in this vein. christians elevate their superiority while using all other religious belief systems as examples of derision. But now I see christians and their religion are way too often, horribly abusive and controlling.

*Children, strength and resolve: I hope for this too. Breaking chains of abuse and oppression is difficult. But more difficult is TRUTH: seeing it, acknowledging it and telling it. And because I am willing to talk about it (calling it what it is), my children do see the reality of our experience. It is the first time in my family's history.

*heal beside you: very powerful and empathic words.

Thank you for reading. I am blown away by the powerful words expressed in your response. Encouraging and on point.

Writing: anyone can write, but not everyone has the core- heart, soul, creative mind, passion, empathy and ability of expression that you have. You have a really good command of vocabulary, a depth and sensitivity. You have an authenticity in how you see issues and experiences and how you connect. You have so many great ingredients for success. I am looking forward to seeing your work.