Is it wrong to use someone as a financial crutch??

Yes, it is wrong unless you can't leave right now for fear of putting your child in an unhealthy situation. You should, however, begin working on a solid plan for getting away from this situation at a specified time in the near future.

As we all know crutches are seen emotionally or phsically because theyre made to be a dependant for when you are unable to use that part of the body. For instance, If people are born with a disability and depend on crutches permanently, depending on the severity, some's first response will be negative: feeling nervous, awkward, and think the person is "retarded". Many don't know how to react to a disabled person, so they either treat them like they're 5 or 95. I'm getting off track. Then there's crutches used for a temporarily. Injuries due to sports,car accidents, etc. lead to this kind of thing. Some of the negative standpoints in this situation is that they're just a pain in the ***, making everything that much more difficult. Walking, going up and down stairs (ya right), bending down, or even using the john are all struggles and extremely irritating. Basically, Crutches used permanently for the disabled and such is negative from the outsiders standpoint (the user is immune to it), and temporarily its negative because the person using the crutches isn't used to it, so they're just hard to maneuver making them a damn pain in the ***.

It would be all to asy to say leave now! Sometimes there are other considerations, such as the one you describe. In your place I would stay (unless the abuse was a real threat to you or your child) and at the same time I would do whatever needed doing to ensure that I would be able to leave and as soon as possible. Try finding a job, maybe in another city, discuss with friends, make new contacts, weigh your options. The idea is to leave to 'something'. It doesn't have to be posh, but there is no point in leaving one bad situation to another potentially worse one.

Be strong

I have so been in your situation (or whoever you're talking about) but I didn't stay for financial reasons, my reason for staying was fear of what he would do if I tried to leave. I cannot fathom staying purely for money. There are several programs out there that would help you get on your feet out of coming out of an abusive relationship while providing for you and your child until then. I know, I had to turn to one for almost a month.

sometimes to get by in life, we do things we're not proud of. I understand you may living off someone and are not romantically involved, at least not mentally. Don't be too hard on yourself. Just get out as soon as you can, or, do what you can to pay back in some way. If its a living together situation, clean, cook, do laundry, etc. This will also give you back a feeling of pride

You should take more stock in yourself. If there is a will, there IS a way. Get away from someone like that as soon as you can. If you have to struggle for awhile, then do that.

Yes it is wrong. Philosophy says it is always wrong to use someone as a means. There are women's shelters where you and your child can be safe. They will guide you from there. Every Person needs a SAFE PLACE to be.

why would you allow yourself to be abused just for financial comfort? you have self esteem problems and are afraid to leave. how much money does it take to have some self respect and walk out? how much is the psychological damage to your child seeing his/her mother beaten abused worth?

Yes it is. You should stand on your own two feet and never become dependant on another person for ANY reason whatsoever.

In that situation, no. But do whats best for the child, they didn't ask for this.