According to the American Bar Association and the U.S. Department of Human Services, victims of domestic violence should make careful plans regarding their safety prior to leaving an abusive partner. In addition, victims should seek professional support from a counselor or community agency that serves victims of domestic violence. Consultation with an attorney and documentation of the violence, such as police reports and medical reports should also be gathered in the event that a victim needs to file a legal order of protection with local authorities.
Leaving an Abusive Relationship
Step 1
Create an emergency safety plan. This plan can include memorizing numbers to call for help during a violent situation, having an escape route from from the place of residence, taking a self-defense course and learning how to best protect children in the event of violence in the home.
Step 2
Talk to a professional counselor or medical professional. Victims can start this process by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local community resources for domestic violence. Most communities have centers and shelters with professionals that specialize in working with victims to safely end abusive relationships.
Step 3
Seek advice from an attorney. The ABA notes that victims of abuse can seek legal protection against continued violence by filing a restraining order against the perpetrator. Many organizations that advocate for victims of violence also provide legal referrals and low- or no-cost legal help with orders of protection and the processes for legally ending a marriage or domestic partnership.
Step 4
Organize money, medications and documents that will be needed after leaving. Having records, documents, and personal identification prepared allows a victim to leave her place of residence when she has a safe opportunity to do so.
Step 5
Stay at a safe place that is unknown to the abuser. The AAFP and the ABA note that emergency shelters are often the preferred location to seek help with domestic violence. These shelters have a high level of protection, and in many cases victims are housed in an undisclosed to location to insure that an abuser can not have access to them. Seeking assistance from a shelter is often safer than staying with family members or friends, especially if the abuser knows the friend or relative's address.
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