Caution: This may sound like a political view, but on the contrary, it is about spousal abuse and the effects that it has on a household.

I lived in such a household. My father would fly into rages and it left us, his children, always on edge. Just recently I found out that when I was quite young my mother would have her father come and take us, the children. It was due to my father and his violent anger.

Has Mr. Vance ever spoken to a person who has lived in such an atmosphere? From the article, I would venture to say, that he has not.

It is more than likely that someone around him has been in such a place. Maybe, the woman who has suffered abuse from an out of control spouse.

Safe homes around the country are there for such women and their children. I personally know of two women in my family who have had to flee to one of these safe homes. They are indiscreet, no signs, no listed telephone numbers, and those seeking refuge are not to disclose where they are in the community.

As I entered high school it became my refuge. I would go to school while it was still dark in the morning and purposely would not return home until I knew my father would be in bed asleep. I was involved in theatre arts, which many of the activities were after school hours. Mostly rehearsals of an upcoming play that was being produced.

Spousal abuse takes many forms. It can be physical, emotional, and sexual. The women feels trapped in their situation believing that they cannot get by without the husband. This is because of years of conditioning, being told that they cannot survive out on their own. It used to be that the women did not work outside of the home and therefore had no means of support.

I have spoken to many women who have left violent marriages. The one thing I heard from many was, “I didn’t think I could make it on my own”! Somewhere, these women find an inner strength, confidence, and determination to become a victor over the violent marriage.

So, dear reader, this blogger, a survivor of abuse, strongly believes that no woman should ever stay in a violent marriage. There are many avenues available to her that she can access.