DEAR ABBY: I have been dating a man who has demonstrated a severe anger problem in recent months. When "Zack" gets angry, he has thrown objects around in his house, knocked over furniture, and screamed and yelled things that I have confided to him for the whole neighborhood (not to mention his roommate) to hear.
When these episodes occur, I pick up my purse and head for the door. Then he blocks my way, throws his keys so I can't unlock the door and grabs my personal belongings -- especially my cell phone -- to prevent my making a phone call or leaving.
Telling him I'm scared of him and that I want to go doesn't seem to get through. He always steps in front of me, pushes me back and, basically, throws my things around so I have to pick them up and I can't get out.
I have told him before that I can't date someone who won't let me leave if I'm scared or threatened. He says he "understands," but then it happens again!
What are the legal ramifications of his preventing me from leaving? Are there certain steps I can take other than breaking a window to get out? I secretly hope he sees this so he will know I'm serious. -- SCARED IN HOUSTON
DEAR SCARED: Preventing a person from leaving in the manner you have described is called "false imprisonment," and it is a crime. However, what puzzles me is why you would allow such a thing to happen twice. Surely you are aware that Zack is a person who is unable to control his emotions, and that the longer you are involved with him the more his outbursts will escalate. He's an abuser, and the surest way to "get out" is to do it NOW by ending the relationship. You can't cure his problem. Only he can do that. My advice to you is to run, before he gets angry again.