Majority marriages have some form of abuse or the other, that is just normal. Physical abuse,verbal abuse,financial abuse, sexual abuse you know ask any married woman over 10 years in marriage they will all tell you men are like that. They know they have the power because women will do anything for their kids. They will do ANYTHING. For finances of their kids . This man knows that and this is why he can do whatever he feels like doing to her. Where will she go with 3 kids? Poverty is waiting for her on top of that she is black and non american. Understand peoples motivations for doing things. Its very noble of her to fear poverty more than her racist husband.