Dear panel,

Recently, I've been offered a good job in another country, which means I have to leave my husband.

I don't have any kids so it's easier for me to go, but the problem is my husband. Although we've been married for 4 years, there're some good moments, but mostly I've been very unhappy, because I know from the beginning that he's using me for the green card and English help.

But I just did not have the guts to fight him back, so I went ahead and got married. Nobody knows about this marriage. And it was my first marriage.

He's always been verbally abusive to me and I'm afraid of him. I'm thinking of ending the marriage now, so I can go on with a new life. But he won't let me go and won't divorce, has threatened many many times to hurt me if I leave him. I don't want to take any legal actions because of things he's said and might do. He's got a violent temper. I feel like I'm his prisoner and I'm trapped.

I've already wasted the past precious 5 years of my life and I don't want to waste anymore.

Please tell me what should I do now...??

Your answer will be greatly appreciated, thank you much.

– Seeking Freedom

Female, age 35, USA

Shaggy and Jeannie answer this question.