I came from an abusive family and left what little good I had in my life (momentum in pursuing a degree) to live with a man who did not support me in any way, forced me to live in his filth and eventually beat me. He is the only person I've ever been in a relationship with, the only man I've had sex with. I'm in my 30s now and I know I have to leave, but I have nothing. I barely make enough to rent an apartment near my job; who the heck knows if my job will even exist in a few years.

I'll be able to rent comfortably for a year. I have a year to somehow buy a vehicle, get a license and figure out some certification that will help me find better work.

A year to learn how to be around people and make friends again - to learn how to enjoy having friends again. A year to build a social network...how do I do it? Where do I start? I'm so scared that I keep thinking I should just try to reconcile because he's the only one who will be there if I need help. I'd love to hear how you ladies rebuilt after escaping. I need to know it's possible.