Meredith Baxter Alleges Domestic Abuse by Ex-Husband David Birney (VIDEO)

'Family Ties' star Meredith Baxter alleges on 'Today' (weekdays, 7AM ET on NBC) that she was the victim of domestic abuse by David Birney, her former husband and co-star of 'Bridget Loves Bernie.'

Baxter said she broke the cycle of mental and physical abuse after a period of intense introspection. "I'd been committed to being a victim for a long time because it felt really warm and comfortable and familiar, but it was a disastrous position to be in," she said. "I had to look at what was in my thinking that told me it was OK to be in this relationship."

As for why she stayed married to Birney for 15 years, Baxter said she wasn't aware of other options. "I didn't know I had a choice," she said. "I didn't know I could go."

Birney, meanwhile, has denied Baxter's claims, according to People magazine.

Watch the full interview here: