So I haven't been on here in a long time. I haven't been anywhere though. I just got out of an abusive relationship and am starting all over again. I am 4 months pregnant and just finalized a restraining order against my ex for domestic violence. I won't go into great detail about that now, but I will say that I was in the CJ program at my local college when I met my ex and had finished 1 year. He convinced me to be a stay at home mom since I already have 2 daughters. He started controlling my every move and eventually started using me as a human punching bag, even though he knew I was pregnant. I left him and am now trying to get my life back to where it should be. I am now trying to figure out how to go back to school and complete my CJ degree. I am now planning on adding to my education some sort of certification to do domestic violence counseling. I haven't really looked very far into that part yet and am unsure what kind of certifications or degrees I will need. I also plan to volunteer at the local women's emergency support shelter. I have had to use their help before and I would love to give back to the community by helping out there. My ultimate goal is to put myself in a position to help people in abusive relationships by providing resources, support and hope that they need. I want to be able to make a difference in someones life the way others have made a difference in mine. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions I would love to hear from you.

Sorry for your experience with this coward. A real man does not strike a woman. He would never fight another man. My suggestion is to contact a shelter for abused and battered women. You need to communicate with those that share your experience. I sincerely wish you a speedy recovery which will take some time. Best to you.

 Thanks guys. I certainly will not go back to him even though it was the hardest thing to leave. I have studied the cycle of abuse and mix that with his alcoholism I know that even if he changes for a while, it wont likely last. I will get in contact with the local courts and hopefully they can point me in the right direction. I will also get in touch with the local womens shelter. I know that since I have been cut off from the world for about the last 6 or 7 months I need to build up a support group of my family and friends that I haven't been able to talk to. I know too that if I am serious about my career that I need to get to know people in the field and surround myself with the type of people who have the same values as me. Thanks again :) any and all information/support is greatly appreciated.