Okay, I have been there and done that....any questions, read my other posts. Start with a protection order and a lawyer. See if your family will help you get the money for a lawyer....I would get a good one. The retainer on my lawyer is $2000 but she is letting me make payments. Even being a stay at home mom, you are entitled to money. The protection order can force him out of the house, or he will go to jail. To get a protection order, you usually need to document things that have happened....jog your memory on dates and incidents. Even if you don't know exact dates, approximates will work. Also, you can take your kids to your parents and he can't arrest you. You have legal rights to those kids....and they probably haven't seen their grandparents in a while. You may want to file the protection order stuff once you get to your family's house. It usually takes a day or two for it to be effective as the judge has to sign off on it. If you file early in the morning, it is possible for it to be done by end of day. If the kids have an upcoming school vacation....this may be a good opportunity. Also, if you have a protection order...they will name you as sole guardian until the temporary protection order hearing....that means you can legally enroll them in school in your hometown. It is very important that if you have school age children that they miss very minimal school during all of this, or he could use it against you. Once in your hometown, you can get a job to give you money. It will be hard, but your family will be there. Just give them a chance. Do your planning first and let them know of your plan, so that they know your sincerity. Good luck!