DEAR ABBY: My husband has always had anger issues. Recently, they have progressed from targeting inanimate objects to targeting me.
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A few weeks ago, when he got upset, he punched the navigation screen in my car out. Then he proceeded to grab my hair and slammed my head into the car window (it didn't break, but my head hurt for more than a week).
He apologized later, but I can't forgive him. Maybe I never will. What's worse, I haven't been able to bring myself to leave and don't really know how to. Is this behavior a deal breaker? -- STUCK IN MINNESOTA
DEAR STUCK: Yes, this is absolutely a deal breaker. Do not minimize what he did to you. I'm sorry you didn't go to the emergency room after it happened.
Each time your husband attacks will be worse -- increasingly so -- until he maims or kills you. For your safety you must get out of there, and the sooner the better. For directions on how to safely make your exit, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The toll-free phone number to call is 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org and a counselor there will direct you.