I thought I was the only one to put up with abuse from someone I was not intimate with. I used to explain it to my friends that it was a fiduciary relationship. I met him when I was in a very bad place in life, and he seemed so caring and we then decided to buy a home together. Within 2 months he changed dramatically. I had never experienced someone so cruel and selfish. Now 6 years later I have finally broke free from thinking I can do anything to help him. With each crisis I did what I could do - 2 orders of protection, which he never respected. When it came down to prosecuting him and putting him in prison for up to 15 years, I felt sorry for him again, and dropped the charges. Then I became his legal guardian for 18 months. I am going to court next month to drop that. I know this will not be over yet, but I am sticking to my decision. I know he will wind up killing me one day if I don't. He continually blames me for all of his misfortune. I was so amazed at the lack of responsibility for his own behavior and actions. His abuse was always verbal and trashing the house and stealing my belongings. But last month he killed a stray beagle I was taking care of to eventually find her a good home. Once I saw the blood splattered in my kitchen I realized next it would be my blood splattered. The police are no longer helpful to me because of my sticking up for him stating that with taking him to all of his psychiatric appointments he would start healing. It has been my 6 year nightmare and still not over yet. Currently he is at a residential care facility that is not a lock down unit. He has been systematic in his planning to get even with me and no one really realizes this other than my close friends. I know I can never listen to anything he has to say again. I pray for my protection because I fear things will really escalate now that I refuse any contact with him. I wrote this because I feel I just have to get this out. Please place me in your prayers and I will do the same for you. Thank you for your story.