Protecting your immediate mental and physical safety is a primary objective of surviving a relationship with an abusive husband, according to HelpGuide.org. All states maintain laws and associated court procedures that exist to provide abused spouses some of the tools and resources needed to survive and, if desired, get out of an abusive relationship. The key is for you to take advantage of the resources available to you through the court system, and the community at large, to successfully negotiate your way our of an abusive relationship with your husband.
Step 1
Separate physically from your husband. You cannot safely remain in the same residence as your husband. In the vast majority of cases of spousal abuse, a husband becomes more abusive and violent over time, according to "Finding Your Way Through Domestic Abuse" by Constance Fourre.
Step 2
Move into a safe location. If you do not have a family member or friend who can provide you assistance in this regard, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. The Hotline staff can assist you in finding resources in your community, including transitional housing or an emergency shelter.
Step 3
File for a restraining order. The clerk of the county court where you reside provides the forms necessary to obtain a restraining order, including an immediate temporary order.
Step 4
Seek professional counseling. Living in an abusive relationship takes not only a potentially physical toll on you but very likely causes emotional or psychological damage. There are therapists who specialize in working with the victims of domestic abuse. Information about local resources is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
References
- HelpGuide.org: Domestic Violence and Abuse
- "Finding Your Way Through Domestic Abuse"; Constance Fourre; 2006
- "Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse"; Ann McMurray & Gregory L. Jantz"; 2009
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