Find the courage to get away

20/12/2007

I saw the letter headed "Untying the knot" (MT, December 2007) about a woman who left an abusive relationship later in life. I was married for 22 years to an alcoholic with all the agony that condition brings: baliffs, no family holidays, no new clothes or shoes - the only source being jumble sales or even dustbins (yes, I was even reduced to that).

There was never enough food for the family so I went hungry, as well as enduring constant emotional abuse and the home being smashed up if the alcoholic's 'needs' were not met. But the worst thing was the physical violence towards my son and my own agony of being raped every night while I slept.

I finally divorced at 44. I managed to recover with help and courage, and went on to rebuild my life from nothing. Looking back I can hardly recognise the 'me' that I was then. I've changed so much and so has my life - for the better. If anyone else is in the situation I was in - please have courage to get away. There is plenty of help and support out there!

Name and address withheld