[*Anya*]

Whether it be a male or female abuser- you are putting your life at risk if you go back to her.

My abuser was my ex-husband. I was young, just like you are. Abusers always have an excuse: you made them upset/angry; they had a bad day/night; too much alcohol/drugs, etc., etc.

They are always remorseful, it will never happen again; until it does.

My ex-husband started with pushing, shoving, escalating to slaps-until the time I was 8-months pregnant with my second baby at age 20, when he sat on my stomach and punched me in the face several times.

Get therapy for yourself or anything that you need to help you to believe that you do not deserve abuse. It is great that she is in intensive therapy but it could take years for her to get a handle on her anger and acting out. Cutting down on her drinking may not be enough for her either. She may need to get clean and sober.

That you also slapped her, also reflects that the two of you are a volatile couple. It does not bode well for your future as a couple or that it is healthy for either of you to be together.

There are so many loving butches out there that would never dream of hurting you. Give yourself a chance to find this out for yourself. You can break the cycle.

Best of luck.