Hello Lisa,
I am not trying to be confrontational or trying to prove you wrong but I too like Monica was involved in an abusive relationship for 3 years.
No I was never abused when I was younger and had an alright childhood so I do not blame it on anything or anyone else. I knew better, it wasn't a lack of education for myself and I believe the same for many people. Most people, even those who are abused grow up knowing it is not alright and it should not be happening, many just do not know how to change it.
I truly thought I could change him and then one day when I looked in the mirror at my black eye and bruises all over my face and body and realized I didn't want to change him anymore I just wanted to stop living like that. Usually things start out great and then when they think they have you convinced things get worse. In my case I did not stay because I did not think I was worth it and I am only 20 years old. I met him was I was 17 and many would say that is very young and I do agree but that is not why I stayed. Many women have no choice, until I was assured by POLICE that I would be safe I could not leave. He threatened my family members, myself and even animals that were attached to me. I have seen him hurt me and so many people that I know if I wasn't protected I could not leave or I would be dead the next day.
All I am trying to say is that no you have not been involved in an abusive relationship so you do not know firsthand (that is a good thing) that it is not always young age and worthlessness for oneself that makes a person stay.
Finally, I left and never looked back. It took coming clean with my whole family (who truly knew all along), going to the authorities and getting him arrested, a protection order for my family and myself and counselling. Men like Saundra's husband brainwash you into thinking it is okay to be treated like that and it is really your fault.
To all women out there that have been abused physically, emotionally or verbally please seek help for yourself and possibly your children who might be seeing it everyday, you are so much better than that! You are all beautiful women who deserve to be treated like queen's not servants. I wish everyone could get out the way I did but it is not the case with all women. So please before people judge just think about what you say first because you may not know all the details as not everyone in this world is the same.
To Andrew, you are such a wonderful person and deserve an excellent life, everyday you wake up know that everyone that watches the Dr. Phil show is praying for you and your family. Good Luck with everything.
Saundra, Things will get better one day if you chose to make them better. Good luck with your recovery and to both of your sons and your husband if he too choses to get better. Please do not let your husband continue to hurt you or your son's! You all are so much better than that.
I hope the intervention was a changing day for you all! Thoughts and prayers from Canada, Pam
Andrew, 18, has been clean and sober for seven months and is trying to rebuild his life. Now, he wants an intervention for his family before it's too late. His mother is abusing Xanax and sleeps all day. His father is either abusive or simply absent, and his brother struggles to stay out of jail. Desperate to save his family, Andrew reaches out to Dr. Phil. Talk about the show and share your thoughts here. 
