So today I was browsing through social media and came upon a horrific article saying there was an ordinance in Missouri that punishes domestic violence victims for calling the police. So I read it and it said this woman was evicted from her home because there's a law stating that if you call the police over a certain number of times within a specified amount of the they can evict you from your home and make it so you can't move back for six months. Well the story reminded me of one of the reasons I finally left. I thought about posting a public thanks to the officer who told me if I called the police again, someone was going to jail because that was a big part of what gave me the courage to finally leave. I knew I couldn't count on the police to stop him, so I decided leaving was better than letting it escalate to the point of him pulling a gun, or choking me again. Up to that point I had been using the police to deescalate the situation. The problem is, I haven't told most people what happened. Some of the reason for this is the kids we share and how everyone knowing might affect them. Also, I think I'm afraid no one will understand. I feel dishonest by hiding it. When I first left, I told a lot of people I work with because I was tired of covering for him and some to justify my leaving. Now I wish I hadn't told them. It is clear that most of them don't understand. I have kept the truth from a lot of the friends I've made post divorce. I feel like I don't want them to look at me that way. So I guess my question is, should I just be honest with everyone? I know one day I'll have to be honest with our girls, so they don't end up in abusive relationships. I just don't know when the time for complete honesty will be.