Hi tiggertan, great name, first of all thank god you got out of it, why some men behave like this is beyond me, it makes me feel sick, I hope you never lose hope in all blokes cos it really is a minority that abuse women, and I hope you and feelinlost have a very happy and loving relationship with somebody that will love and give you the respect you deserve, there is nothing macho about hitting a lady, it is cowardice, and no way does any man that does this even deserve to be called a man, they are pure scum, once they have hit any lady she should get out and never look back, it won't stop it will just get worse, take care you two, and good luck in the future , Ray xx