I don't believe in abuse, whether it's hitting, or name-calling (hey, I'm not in a relationship with classicman)
or whatever. Women don't get to beat the crap out of a guy and he just stands there taking it. Women don't get to belittle a guy and call him all sorts of horrible things, make him feel ashamed, hurt him.
It hurts men as much as it hurts women. A long time hurt...does horrible things to a psyche.
And, I think it's harder for a man, even, to justify leaving...due to the shame society puts on him, making him feel not a man (or so he fears.) Here's an article I ran across, which I was reminded of when reading these posts:
http://marital-conflict-negotiation...._relationships