Dear Carolyn ~
Welcome here to the Support Forum. When you are stuck it is a good place to come. The people here have been though hard times -some like yours I'm sure - and that makes them care and want to help.
A partner really has to care for you, want the best for you and try to look after you. Sadly that is not the case here, with cruelty to you and your dogs, lies, overbearing and blaming. I'm afraid such a person will always try to make you believe you are responsible for everything they say is wrong.
Forgive me for being direct, however when you say "I've learned not to say much" it shows he has started down the road of controlling you , and that can simply keep on getting worse.
I doubt very much if it is a case of improving the relationship.
So may I suggest - if you have not already done so - you speak to the people who are very used to these situations. They are professional, compassionate and realistic. I think you would find their perspective and advice assists you greatly.
1800Respect - 1800 737 732 (open 24/7)
If you tell them what you life is like now they will respond wiht understanding and lay out the options you have
If you cannot face talking to someone you can use their web-chat (also open 24/7)
https://chat.1800respect.org.au/#/welcome
May I ask if you have any family or freinds who you can talk to about
this, not necessarily so they can fix anything, but so you feel
listened to, believed and cared for?
I hope we get the chance to keep talking with you
Croix
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