HOW TO LEAVE ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS

A movie I watched yesterday opened my eyes to see how women desperately want their marriage or relationship to work out; they endure so much pain- emotionally and physically. I must say being mistreated by the person you love is one of the most devastating and traumatic experiences a woman can face and it is hard to know what to do when it happens. A woman who is a victim of violence faces a particularly complicated dilemma, as in she's always thinking if she should stay or leave. I have come to realize that women who are in abusive relationship/marriage find it difficult to leave maybe because of what the world will say about their failed marriage or they are scared of starting all over again. The truth is that these women are often traumatized by what their partners do to them. Leaving abusive relationship may seem to be an easy choice, as I discussed in my last post but there are many issues that can make it difficult for a victim of domestic violence to leave. For instance, victimized women often love and feel committed to their partner or they want to help him become a better person. You have to understand that violence comes in various forms and I’ll be listing them out. 1. Physical abuse 2. Emotional abuse 3. Psychological abuse 4. Sexual abuse 5. Financial abuse I'll be giving tips on how to leave an abusive relationship: 1. Let a friend or family member know you are ending your relationship; it is not necessarily you tell them about the abuse. Let them know when and where you are ending the relationship and ask them to check in on you. 2. Keep important documents safe. This includes your passport, birth certificate and other important certificate with those of your children (if you have any). Keep these in a safe space, preferably out of the home. 3. Memorize a few emergency contact numbers, in case you leave without your phone. 4. Change passwords on electronic devices and social media, as your partner may know your passwords. 5. Block your partner from calling or texting you. You may need to be in touch again but it is best to stop communication right after leaving. 6. Remind yourself that you do not deserve to be abused. Write down in a journal or somewhere safe why you are important and do not deserve to be abused. Read over and over again to give you strength. If you believe you are in an abusive relationship or marriage, know that you can get the help and support you need. By: Ibukunola Awosanya