Yes, it is illegal to show affection in public, but that is rarely enforced. Arab women/muslim women are covered for the most part and are unapproachable. There are filipinas everywhere, the are on the lower end of the employment scale. Cashiers, maids, cleaners, etc. I am American and I do not cover up, I wear shorts in the summer, short sleeve shirts, bathing suits at the pool, so does everyone else who is not Arab/muslim. It's not as conservative as you think. If you are worried, then you need to cut ties and move on. Sounds like he is not interested in being a father and husband anymore. This should be easy seeing as how he is never around.