My mom says that too. She didn't leave or contact the cops because "she wouldn't have been safe" and "he threatened me with violence against you if I left" as if living with my abusive father was actually any safer. She "did her best" to protect my brother and me by...Basically letting dad do whatever he wanted because setting him off was dangerous. She finally left right after I turned 19 and moved out. Apparently, it was safe then. Nevermind that my brother was still 17 and living with him. Turns out, she can support herself alone just fine, and has for nearly 20 years. Go figure.