DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Ted," beats me up bad. It's not me I'm worried about -- it's our 4-month-old baby girl. Ted threatens to kill me and the baby if I leave. He hits, slaps and kicks me almost daily. Please help me. -- DESPERATE IN ITHACA, N.Y.
DEAR DESPERATE: Call the Domestic Violence Hotline. The toll-free number is 1-800-799-7233. Tell the counselor who answers what you have written to me. He or she will help you to formulate an escape plan. For your daughter's sake, please don't wait.