This sort of domestic violence can be hidden; there are no bruises to act as proof, but it damages, cruelly and 5)by stealth. I have said to friends that, sometimes, I would rather you hit me, that you would then perhaps understand that what you do is wrong.

You try to convince me that the problem is with me, that what you do is reasonable, that my response(to be scared) is not. Have you really convinced yourself that this is my fault? That it is right to shout at me, as I drive, because I haven’t told you about a hairdresser’s appointment? That when you scream, shout, swear, throw things and break our possessions that, somehow, I made you do this?

How can you have so little empathy with, or sympathy for, others? How can you watch as those around you develop strategies to cope with your violent mood swings? How can you lie so 6)blatantly and yet live with yourself? Is it really possible to have no conscience? I hope we have found a way out, because at the moment you are killing me.