My DH had a very unhappy first marriage and was the 'injured' party when it finally broke.
Four years ago he took a public role that required training, including recognising domestic abuse. he too had that lightbulb moment and it opened so many conversations between us. He was very put down, very criticised, worked all the hours god sent, but she had the purse strings and spent it all, including emptying their joint bank account of 1,000s just before the marriage ended.
But it was the erosive criticism that was most damaging. When we first met he kept apologising unnecessarily for - in my words - 'simply breathing'.
It is important tat people recognise that this is not just a male to female problem. When men suffer abuse, I think they also suffer a sense of shame because they think they should be 'strong' and manage the relationship more.
I am glad to say that after 6 great years together, my DH has stopped apologising. It took a long time.
4 Years On…..Health-wise, Has Anything Changed?
Searching for recipe in Supercook magazine