My Husband Almost Killed Me… Should I Stay or Leave?

After years of emotional abuse, one woman believed her husband had finally changed — until he discovered her past affair and the abuse escalated into physical violence and strangulation. Now she’s asking the hardest question: should she stay or leave?

In this emotional episode of Ask Ilona, certified family law specialist Ilona Antonyan responds to a heartbreaking story from a woman trapped in a cycle of emotional abuse, domestic violence, manipulation, and fear. After finally seeing signs of change in her husband, everything escalated again — leading to physical violence and strangulation.

Topics discussed:
• Emotional abuse in marriage
• Domestic violence warning signs
• Strangulation and abuse escalation
• Trauma bonding and toxic relationships
• Why abuse victims stay
• Can abusive partners truly change?
• Co-parenting after abuse
• Family court and custody issues
• Domestic violence resources and support
• Relationship advice from a divorce attorney

This episode also explains the legal implications of domestic violence in family court, including custody concerns and protective orders.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please seek help from trusted professionals and local support resources.