Getting Out of an Abusive Relationship
We all tell ourselves that we wouldn’t stay in an abusive relationship for a second, yet many of us find ourselves trapped in these very relationships. There are more of these types of relationships out there than most of us would ever realize or even want to think about. If you find yourself in one now, you need to get out. No more making excuses or giving second chances. Abusive relationships are never worth staying in.
If you find yourself stuck in an abusive relationship, the first thing you need to do is look within. Look inside of yourself and find your self respect. Many times when we have been abused we are so ragged and beaten that we forget or don’t even believe anymore that we deserve any better than we currently have. The fact of the matter is that no one deserves to be hurt physically, emotionally, or mentally. Find that ounce of self respect.
Now that you have found your self respect, decide that you want to leave. Don’t just think about it, decide that it really is time to leave all of this behind. Decide that you aren’t going to settle for the relationship that you are in any more. Determine that you have had enough of feeling badly about yourself and the relationship that you are in.
The next step is to make a plan. In a lot of abusive relationships it simply is not wise to up and leave. Instead, you need to make a plan so you can make a safe departure. Wait until your spouse or partner is going to be at work or you know they will be away for a few hours. Pick the day and the time in which you will leave and stick to it. Let at least three people know of your plans to leave. Make sure that you have also secured a place to go when you do leave, the last thing you want to have to do is go back home after you leave.
When the day and time comes, gather up as much as you can and leave. Don’t take too much don’t get too emotional, just take what you can get in one trip and get help if you can to get everything out at once. This will do away with the need to make return trips, at which time you may get caught. Don’t call your spouse don’t make contact with them or try to justify why you are leaving. Make a clean break.
After you have had a few days away call your spouse and let them know why you left and that you have no intention of returning until they get professional help. If they will not get professional help, tell them that the relationship is over. Do not divulge where you are staying and do not meet up with them without other people present. This can be difficult, but a clean break really is the only way to go.