Former Family Ties actress Meredith Baxter, 63 talked to Matt Lauer of Good Morning America about her abusive husband. Baxter was married to David Birney for 15 years and has three children with the actor who appeared in numerous television shows and movies. Birney denies any allegations of abuse. Baxter was on the show discussing her new memoir titled “Untied” which discusses the abuse she suffered and her lesbianism. The abuse was both emotional and physical. She didn’t discuss any of these issues with co-stars and finally left Birney after 17 years. Her children have not spoken publicly about the abuse.
Domestic violence is a fairly common issue in relationships and marriages. Over 10 percent of intimate relationships involve different types of abuse ranging from physical, emotional or verbal. Women involved in abusive relationships are encouraged to leave because the harm tends to escalate. Many women fear leaving their abusive husbands but a divorce attorney can be an ally to the abused woman. Two-thirds of divorces are initiated by women with help from a divorce lawyer.
In spite of the growing independence of women they continue to stay in abusive relationships out of fear and insecurities. Most spouses who are abused stay for financial reasons because it can be difficult to support themselves without monetary backing. With a divorce attorney the abused spouse can be assured they will be awarded necessary financial support and community resources to deal with their emotional issues.
