Relationship Violence Story From Fading

by Name Undisclosed
(South Africa)

The father of my child endured horrible abuse from both his parents. I have tried so hard to help him get past the hurt, shame and hate. But he is so angry at the world. I fear he might abuse our son. He hurt me while I was pregnant, a couple of times. Usually when he was drunk but that does not excuse his behaviour toward me and our unborn child. We have broken up and tried so many times again but this time I can't. I see the patterns of abusive behaviour and even though the honeymoon phase is bliss I know it won't last. I don't know how to help him not turn into his father who beat and scalded his mother. He has a history of alcohol and drug abuse, he lies, manipulates and threatens. He doesn't have much money because he can't keep a proper job. I don't know how to break this cycle of abuse but I am not prepared to let him break my little boy.