Hi dazed and Welcome!

I'm sure your experiences early in your story is an extremely common one unfortunately..

The part about 'only marrying in the Lord' or marrying another jw has made for some very unhappy marriages and abusive ones even.  I have one member in my family who can be classified as being in an unhappy marriage because of it.  Luckily, there's no abuse involved with it that I know of.


The so-called 'higher up' or 'stronger' in the org that the abuser is, the less likely the elders will do anything (except read unhelpful scriptures to try to counsel as in your case).

I agree that you are a brave person and are doing the right thing.
Seeing a counselor doesn't hurt either.

If you read some of the stories and posts here along with what we have on the Links/Resources page, you'll know you made the right decision.
I left around 10 years ago or so and haven't regretted a minute of it.  
Information on the internet did help me get info and insight I otherwise wouldn't have access to at all.....

Joining the long list of people who are happier outside the jw org. is a good deal      


Nice to have you aboard with us...... 

edited to add:  I began my 'fade' from the group in late '98 or '99 as well.  That was after spending my whole life as a jw, so I can relate to that also.....

Last Edited By: Ronnie45 May 10 10 2:30 PM. Edited 2 times.