


“Debbie stayed in the relationship for seven years because Danny threatened to commit suicide if she ever left him. There had been infidelity and drug use on Danny’s part but he refused to discuss any kind of separation. Instead, his manipulation of Debbie’s emotions continued. Year after year Debbie grew disheartened at their lack of progress. As a family, they no longer set mutual goals or spent time together. Debbie’s fear (that her children would suffer beyond repair) and the guilt of leaving her marriage held her captive.