Beating and Cheating

I've always said that there are two things that do not deserve second chances...beating and cheating. A man who hits will hit again and a man who cheats will cheat again.

A family member was recently abused and at first she seemed strong, but now she's trying to defend him. We keep telling her that the next time he's going to kill her, but she insists that she still loves him. How can you love someone you are afraid of? How can you be with someone knowing that your life could be in danger?

We have taken her in, but if she chooses to go back to him then we will refuse to continue helping her. It sounds mean, but if she's going to ask for it, which is exactly what she will be doing if she goes right back to him, then what can we do?

Whether someone beats you or cheats on you, the trust is gone and no matter how hard you try, you just can't get it back. I was cheated on and emotionally abused for almost three years. My life became meaningless. I lost contact with my family and friends and I wanted to die. I tried getting out multiple times but he always new what to say to drag me right back in. I was so mentally weak that he had me convinced that no one else would ever want me. Finally I found strength from somewhere deep inside of me and I got out. I wish I would have done it sooner, but whats done is done. The future is what counts now.

There is life after abuse. No one deserves to be abused. If our family member chooses to go back then all we can do is hope she gets a second chance to make the right decision.