Dear Diana,

I have been married 17 years and have two beautiful children. However, I feel that I need to put an end to my failed marriage. I feel that I am in it just for the sake of the children. Since we have been married I have had problems, initially it was physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats etc. My husband drinks every single day. We moved overseas three years ago and he has manipulated me.

I don't love him as a wife would love her husband. I want out of this relationship as it is suffocating me. My 16-year-old has said that if I don't move out and start a new life for myself, she will have nothing more to do with me. I haven't even slept in the same room as my husband for two months now as sex is a chore.

I often feel threatened into having sex. I am smart and independent and have a full-time job that pays me well to be able to survive on my own. I am just worried that he won't support the kids if I move out. I am not sure how to handle this situation. We don't even speak to each other any longer.

Name withheld