i understand thinking from an outsiders veiw how my husbands violence would seem threatening to the kids. and if he ever even raised a hand in anger at them, me and him would have issues... however, my husband has not once even threatend the kids. they love him to death and actually depend on him more then me, because i work more and am away from the house more then he was before this all happend. i completely agree with protecting the kids, which is why they are with my mom. and at this point, almost 2 months after the last incident, i feel like i am now protecting them from CPS. our kids are a support system for my husband and it is so hard watching him crumble because he hasnt seen them in so long. its so emotionally draining for both of us having our family ripped apart from outsiders who have never dealed with an ounce of what dealing with PTSD involves. being around people who can actually relate is what my family and i need. but CPS doesnt get that. they want me to take DV classes that random jane next door goes to after her "sane" husband beat her. they dont listen when i say that he was the least aggressive person before iraq. and he lived for a purpose, he cared, he loved. but its so difficult to get outsiders to listen to the fact that traumatic situations, like combat, really take its toll on the human brain, body and soul. he was such a good person before and i still love him so much. he just needs someone to help him, fight with and for him, support him. and thats what i feel my job is right now. to be his advocate.