response to shasha: even in today's "modern society" it is still difficult to get away from an abussive man, no matter what the woman wants. everyday there are cases of women being abused AFTER leaving. Just last month (locally) there was a woman murdered outside her mothers home because she had filed for a divorce. lorena garenteed that mr. bobbit would leave her alone permenantly. but did he learn? no, mr.bobbit continues to abuse women. in case you missed it, he was recently arrested again. causing him to miss out on celebrity boxing (where he probably would have made a pretty penny) is it a psychotic act? yes, but in the eyes of the law it is the better choice. murder can put you in jail for life (or to death) but cutting "it" off is only an assault.