Fear will indeed stop you from taking action. So deal with your fears. If you are seriously considering separting, have you talked to an attorney? That will give the facts about what may be possible if you go that route. If you are not ready to leave, what can you do to put your focus on you and your child rather than your AH? He will do what he will do regardless of you. So figure out what you can do, even little things to start, to improve your day to day life.