If an important purpose of the story was to raise an awareness of abuse in our community, than I really think it was a mistake to keep the wife in the relationship. I’m sure there are women in abusive marriages who, like Gila in the story, are not strong enough to get out. And when they read this story, it made them believe that their husbands will change and they should just stick it out.
I’m sorry to say but most people with abusive tendencies DO NOT CHANGE or if they do, it takes many long years. It is an exception for someone to make a complete abrupt turnaround. I sincerely hope that no women take an example from Gila. If you are in an abusive relationship GET OUTTTTT! DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE KIDS! DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING! JUST GET OUT!