GOOD space!

Well, you're in a good space, kiddo!  I had assumed that you were legally bound to the batterer, and I'm going to "assume" that you didn't marry him - good for you!

For me, the history was mainly for my own purposes - it was a useful tool for my counselor, as well, but it helped me to recognize a pattern in my own behavior.

I'm so grateful that you are strong, courageous, and took the necessary steps to protect yourself!  Too many men and women out there just don't want to acknowledge their plight, and I fear that domestic violence and abuse has gone way beyond "epidemic" proportions.  I had this stereotypical image of an abuse victim as being some dimwit that "should" have been able to see the whole picture!  And, don't you know, I turned out to be that dimwit!  I learned a lot about stereotyping, as well - who am I to lay judgement on anyone else when I've made my own truckload of mistakes?

At any rate, best of luck to you, and I hope that the DA is able to get t his jackass convicted and sent away for a good while.