Domestic Violence is not always physical. In fact the scars you cannot see can do more damage than the ones you can. I have spoken for domestic violence advocacy groups, and I have helped women get out. I have recently started interviewing others to help share the stories. This is everyone’s problem. In my state 1 in 4 women is a victim of DV, 1 in 7 men. Let that sink in — it is extremely rampant. I have found though that silence is the enabling best friend of an abuser, so I not only felt your story resonating on a personal memory for myself, I applaud everyone who can share, (and would love to share your work)because while it may never feel like strength, that is exactly how it seems to those still suffering. And, that is what they need, they need advocates who toss the judgement and useless questions of “why they stayed” and support them, guide them, lift them, help them, share with them. I wish you healing and peace.