My husband has been financially, verbally, emotionally and occasionally physically abusive for a number of years and I need to leave him. We are both high earners, but he only pays the mortgage, ensuring that I solely pay for childcare, feeding and all that concerns the children. He earns more than double my income, so we are not entitled to any help with childcare or benefits. When I wanted to leave him a few years ago, he threatened to tell the police and social services that I have mental issues, so he can have full custody. Although I'm educated, I couldn't take any chances, as his friend did the same and got full custody of his kids. I have never had any mental health issues. He is aggressive towards me in the presence of my children and is always shouting at or around them and one of the reasons I've struggled to leave is that if he gains or shares custody, I will not be around all the time to protect the children from him. He has previously physically threatened my children, including one with SEN. We have a mortgage and I won't be about to keep the house, as I cannot afford it by myself. At the moment, I can't afford to rent locally, and moving my SEN child across the country to rent cheaply would significantly affect their mental health, as they are already struggling significantly. I am trying to gather evidence of his abuse and he is now constantly accusing me of recording him. To anyone looking from the outside, he's the perfect father and husband, and when I've tried to get help in the past, he has gaslighted me. We are joint owners of the property and we've been married for almost 20 years. He paid the deposit and pays the mortgage, he's always ensured all my income is spent on the kids, childcare and the home. I have a small loan and very little in savings. Please tell me how to leave him and protect my children.