Hello Pascalb
Being in your position stinks. I was there for a number of years although she was never that deeply engrained in my family.
I do not have any magic words of comfort. Wish I did... . :'(
One thing is for certain and that is that she has you very deep in FOG (fear obligation guilt) As long as she has you in that mindset, it is much harder to make any decisions, heal etc.
One thing that helps is to realize its not okay for her to treat you the way she has. I made a list (after reading about it here) of all the things that were NOT okay. It helped me immensly.
For instance,
Its not okay for her to not take responsibility as a parent.
Its not okay for her to threaten me
Its not okay for her to be violent.
Its not okay for... .
You get the idea. Seeing it on paper kind of validates it and allows you to see it better for what it is.
Be good to you and stay close to this board.
BTW I comment you on being the father you are, your children will forever be grateful for it looking back
