To Merianya:

My heart goes out to you for having to learn those things the hard way, and I am proud of you for getting out alive! I have written this elsewhere, but here it is again: pick up the book "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker. Maybe if every woman read it and gave it to her sister, friend, co-worker and daughter, it would prevent her from staying too long in a bad relationship. I know for a fact that that book has saved a life and has probably saved thousands.

Wishing you all the best.