When people think of domestic violence, they often think of physical abuse. They might not realize that many individuals who walk away from a marriage have been subjected to emotional abuse. For example, a person who's divorcing a narcissist has likely been dealing with verbal and mental abuse for some time.
Being married to a narcissist means that you learn how to walk on eggshells. The person might put on a personable façade when others are around; however, they can turn into a manipulative monster when they're alone with their immediate family members. They don't want anyone other than their victim to see the abusive side of them. This can make divorce a challenge.
If you're in this position, you have to prepare for walking away. The narcissistic behaviors are likely going to intensify when they find out you're leaving. This is due, at least in part, to their need to be in control of everything. Losing their victim can also play a role in this.
A narcissist will often cycle through a number of methods to try to hang onto the marriage. They might bargain and promise to change. They may try to alienate you from your family members and friends. They might try to scare you or intimidate you.
Once it becomes clear that you are going to move forward with the divorce, they will still try to control everything. Sadly, if you have children, they will be stuck in the middle of the matters and this can have a negative impact on them. The children become an easy target for the rollercoaster tactics, including parental alienation.
Because this is such an intense battle, you must ensure that you have a legal team that can handle these matters. This is one of the only ways you can protect your rights and your child's future.