You are not the cause of your abusive partner’s behaviour, so you should leave a bad situation behind.

Leaving an abusive relationship is always difficult.

The whole situation can leave you feeling insecure, confused, torn and often scared.

However, staying in the relationship is much worse. A partner who constantly physically, verbally and even sexually abuses you can mess up your life forever. The best option is to get away from him.

In this article, we’ll give you a few tips on how to break away from an abusive partner.

But remember, if you are being abused:

Your safety and that of your children (if any) is all that matters.
You are not the cause of your partner’s abusive behaviour.
You deserve love and respect.
No one deserves abuse.
There are people who are willing to help you.
Physical violence can cost you your life.
Your mental health is important. And now to the heart of the matter.
How to break free from an abusive partner
To get away from an abusive partner, take the following steps;

Abusive Partner — Young couple arguing on color background

1. Build up And Accept Support

The best way to build a good support network is to talk to friends, colleagues and family members. It is a mistake to let shame or humiliation stop you from seeking help. Friends and family members you can trust will help you with your safety and exit strategy.

2. Create a Safety Plan

It is important to have a safety plan. It is a strategy to keep you and your children safe and out of trouble. Abusive people can do anything to hurt their victim. Make sure you have a safe place to escape to. This could be a friend’s house, your mother’s house or somewhere you have found yourself. Just make sure your support network is aware of your safety plan.

3. Improve Your Finances

If you are unemployed, you should start looking for a job. Invest in your development and look out for opportunities to earn money. Also, open a new bank account and start saving money without your abusive partner knowing about it.

4. Choose a Safe Time to Leave

It is safest to leave your abusive partner when they are not around. Don’t leave in their presence if you don’t want to be hit or hurt. Choose a time when they are not around and run away.

5. Get Legal Advice

If you are married, you should seek legal advice as soon as you leave the house. If you and your partner have a child (or children) or shared property, it’s important that you know your legal rights. This will help you avoid unnecessary drama.

If you have successfully left your abusive relationship or marriage, please try to go to therapy (together with your children) as this will help you to heal and love yourself.