Did you call the cops? How did you decide?...

Long story short, my live-in boyfriend became psychologically, mentally, physically and financially abusive.

The minute I let people know, I was removed from my home by family to protect me from his volatility. I’m staying with family.

Now my doctor, the police officer I unofficially spoke to, and the Counsellors at the abused women’s help line all say I should report him and have him arrested.

My parents are really scared for my safety if I turn him in. They think he will hold the grudge and become dangerous if I provoke him this way. He will know where to find me and who knows what he would do. He is still angry about situations that happened 10 months ago and will get into a terrifying rage over them if I provoke him. Whose to say he wouldn’t hold onto this anger? He’s already threatened to kill me.

I need some advice from women who have been in this situation. Did you report him? Why or why not? What happens after? I can’t figure out what will keep me safe and can use some advice.

Right now my safety is the primary concern. Making him atone for his crimes is secondary.