When Is Enough Enough?

        Remember the movie Enough starring Jennifer Lopez...abusive psychotic husband who tried to control her life after a while? Well what happens when Enough becomes reality and you have to decide between living in fear while trying to maintain a relationship or your sanity? 
       This happened to be the case with 41 year old Patrick Dell who murdered his wife and her four children early Monday morning in Riviera Beach, Florida. For full details on the story it can be found at TheGrio. One thing I would like to discuss is knowing when enough is enough. What defines the breaking point for those who struggle with physical abuse and have reported the issue several times.  Reports say that DCFS was informed of the conditions of the household and dismissed the case without removing the children or investigating further.  This particular situation was one of the key stories in For Colored Girls, however this isn't a movie and who should be held accountable?
       DCFS can be partial to blame for the reason that they didn't take the preventative measures to secure the children in a turbulent household.  The police department can be held accountable because the mother reported to them several times that she was in danger and that he would not leave her alone, but then again she continued to welcome him back in her home.  I find fault with the wife for filing a restraining order but then openly welcoming that person back and putting not only your life but your childrens life in danger. Many will point the blame totally on the wife for being contradicting and somewhat naive, but what happens when the shoe is on the other foot.
       As people we are quick to judge and assume what we would do if it happened to us BUT when it does happen what do we say?  You tend to fall in the same category as the previous victims and we are back at square one. No one understands until you yourself are in the exact same situation. I think it is a mental disease - not being able to let go - dependency on love. How can we break free from this syndrome? There are abuse clinics, psychologists and hotlines that people can reach out to to receive help but I still don't feel as if that is enough. Sad to say stories like this happen all the time and it seems that it does not become serious until tragedy strikes.