DEAR ABBY: I am writing in response to your advice for the woman in Sacramento, Calif., whose husband of four years spends hours with, and buys gifts for, his former wife. She stated that she is unhappy, fearful of him, and is nothing more than his housekeeper.
Please tell this woman about an organization in Sacramento called WEAVE (Women Escaping A Violent Environment). They will assist her with shelter, care, legal issues and support.
This woman needs to get out now, and present that worthless, selfish husband of hers a bill for the years of maid service she has provided him. This is not a normal marriage. She deserves to be happy with someone who appreciates her. -- BEEN THERE, DONE THAT IN SANTA ANA, CALIF.
DEAR B.T.D.T.: I agree this is not a normal marriage and the woman deserves a mate who will appreciate her. I was not aware there was an organization that would help women who have been threatened by their spouses -- but who had not yet been battered.
When I spoke to a staff member at WEAVE, she informed me that they do help women who are suffering from emotional and verbal abuse -- and that all domestic abuse organizations will help victims of ANY type of abuse. The National Domestic Violence Hotline, (800) 799-7233, will refer callers to an organization in their local area.