Topic : 04/23 How to Escape a Bad Marriage

When Star was first on the show admitting she was an addict and needed help, Dr. Phil wasnt very empathetic towards her. He kept bringing up what she was doing. He was more empathetic and supportive with her abusive husband Issac by saying if you need help just call.  She was probably abused in some way before becoming an addict, probably contributing to her depression and use of pain meds. Almost all addicted women have been abused. Ive been in her place and could feel her pain and didnt think Dr. Phil was supportive.

If you are in an abusive relationship and decide to seek a peace order (no contact order) be warned - approximately a year ago there was a case in our area where a young woman obtained a peace order against her live-in boyfrient/father of her child which went VERY wrong.  Her boyfriend violated the order, went to her apartment, stabbed her to death and fled.  He was traced to a nearby town where he was confronted by a young police officer who had been informed of what was taking place.  Before back-up officers arrived this man shot and killed the young officer.  There are some abusive men out there who will violate an order to abstain from contacting the woman they are abusing.  For your own sake, seek a safe hiding place and professional help before completely trusting in a no contact order.  You may save your own life and quite possibly that of another innocent person or even your child or some family member.

I WAS IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP FOR 22 YRS. AND WHEN THE POLICE WERE CALLED NOTHING WAS DONE. IT ONLY MADE THE SITUATION WORSE. HE HAD MADE THREATS ON MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF MY CHILDREN.  I HAD NO SUPPORT GROUPS  OR FAMILY TO CALL. I WAS ON MY OWN. I TRIED TO LEAVE SEVERAL TIMES BUT HE STOPPED ME. TELLING ME THAT IF I LEFT HE WOULD FIND ME AND KILL ME IN FRONT OF MY KIDS. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THAT RELATIONSHIP WAS HE DIED IN PRISON ON UNRELATED CHARGES.   GO FIGURE.

NOW WOMEN ARE ABLE TO CONTACT GROUPS AND SHELTERS FOR HELP. I WISH I HAD BEEN THAT LUCKY.

BUT THAT PART OF MY LIFE I HAVE TRIED TO PUT BEHIND ME. I STILL HAVE A HAUNTED PAST AND IT ENGULFS ME FROM TIME TO TIME. BUT I WILL SURVIVE.

Today's show was a MUST SEE for every woman. Several years ago I married The Man of My Dreams who became My Worst Nightmare. Originally charming, loving, appreciative, and compatible, he suddenly transformed into a man who was excessively controlling, verbally/physically abusive, distrustful, accusing, demeaning, and violent. The man isolated me from family and friends; my resources were limited. Law enforcement did not help because I had no bruises or broken bones. Church leaders did not help because my husband talked to them before I did - he convinced them the problem was ME. After three years of living in fear, I was grateful when he left. We are now divorced and I am learning to live a life in peace.

My former husband fits the description for a paranoid schizophrenic or sociopath. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and an anger management problem. One counselor suspected an addition to pornography. My ex had an obsession with young girls. He has a long history of spending excessive amount of time on the Internet, contacting women via dating sites. Women seem to trust him because he works in health care. He is a dangerous individual and his next victim may be less fortunate than I.

You gave me additional peace today with your statement about female abuse victims becoming "emotionally broken."  This was true for me. I have required intensive therapy and medication in order to stabilize my emotionality and begin the return path to a normal life. At long last I go to bed at night without fear that he will return and cause me harm.

Thank you again for the wonderful service you and your staff provide. Your counsel is timely and always makes sense.

Please continue to warn your female viewers of the dangerous predators who use the Internet to connect with their victims.

Sincerely,

Survivor2002

Finally we're hearing it the way it truly is.

Based on facts, statistics..................on going research......

rare, rare, rarely do they, the batterers ever change.

It is most definitely a very rare occurrence.

They rarely ever change.

Finally, the Dr. Phil show puts Domestic Violence and Domestic Abuse out there correctly, the way it is meant to be......

Thank you Dr. Phil.

Keep these shows, with  their resources presented for the audiences.....for all to see.......keep them coming.

Also, the experts from Battered and Abused Women's Organizations are a must for these shows.

Thank you for incorporating them into your most recent shows on the topic. 

The National Abuse HOTLINE, up there on your stage....for all to see.

Keep up this work.

Its been a lonnnnnnnnnnng time in coming.

I know you have heard my yammering to this effect for a very, very long time.

Thank you.

We are pleased its finally happening now !

Many many thanks!