Does anyone who has suffered emotional abuse (not physical) have experience of going into a refuge? What help/support did you receive?

[Wantingtomoveonfromthis]

Just what the title says really, I am trying to decide if I should go ahead with this x

I haven't been in a refuge, although I did consider it multiple times as i was trapped financially and he refused to leave. Thankfully I was emotionally strong and knew he was abusing me but decided not to put the kids through the additional stress so I took it all. I'm living with the consequences though. My self esteem is non existent and I have huge insecurities and trust issues. I feel emotionally starved but terrified to allow myself to be vulnerable. I guess I have no advice but wanted to wish you well and send you love x

tigerjoe16 did you decide to stay with him?

No. I knew I had to separate eventually and thankfully he finally agreed to leave. It's only after he left that I realised how bad the abuse was and how much it had affected me. Initially I was keen to reconcile but I had to admit this was not the right decision especially for the kids

tigerjoe16 you are so brave I hope I can get to where you are. Do you still have to have contact with him now?