Isolation: They keep you from spending time with your friends and loved ones, and prevent you from following your usual routine. Gaslighting: They make you question your sense of reality. Verbal abuse and put-downs: They shout at, belittle, and berate you. Financial abuse: They take your money and/or limit your access to your bank account. Fear-mongering: They make threats to hurt you or themselves. Social abuse: They try to sabotage your relationships and keep tabs on everything that you do. [1] X Research source

Move to a safe corner of the home where you can easily escape if the situation escalates Come up with an excuse to leave the home (like going grocery shopping) Let your friends and family know about the emotional abuse Plan to take legal action against your abuser Save money to reach financial independence

“Jamie has verbally and financially abused me for months now, and I don’t feel safe around him anymore. I want to break things off, but I’m afraid. Would you mind helping me out?” “I don’t want to be with Andrew anymore, but he owns the house and I have no place to go if I leave. Could I crash on your couch for a couple of nights until I can find a more permanent place to stay?”

A separate bank account is the safest place for your money, but setting one up may not be an option while you’re still living with your emotional (and financial) abuser. That’s okay—just focus on setting aside whatever money you can, and then set up a bank account once you’re out of the relationship.

Some domestic violence shelters offer prepaid phones for free. If you can do it safely, start changing your usernames and passwords so your abuser can’t access your accounts. You might have to wait until you’re no longer living with your abuser to do this, though. [6] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source

A domestic violence shelter is a safe place where you can temporarily stay after escaping an abusive relationship. The addresses of domestic violence shelters aren’t posted online, so your abuser won’t be able to find you easily. A shelter is a great, safe option to consider if you’re escaping with your children. Your local shelter likely knows about other helpful resources for abuse victims, so don’t be afraid to get in touch (even before you leave). You can find local domestic violence shelters here: https://www. domesticshelters. org/

Your important papers and ID card Extra sets of clothes Extra money Medication Make sure you hide this bag in a place where your partner won’t find it easily. To be extra safe, keep it at a friend or relative’s home.

Memorize a list of emergency contact numbers that you can call if the situation gets out of control. If you have your own car, be sure to keep it totally fueled up and ready to go. When your partner isn’t home, practice getting into your car and driving away as quickly as possible. If you plan to escape on foot, plan the route you’ll take out and away from your home.

Review the escape plan that you made earlier, especially if you’re escaping with your children. That way, everyone will be on the same page.

Head out for work at 7:30 AM instead of 8:00 AM Take a different route home Park further away from your workplace

USPS charges a monthly fee for P. O. boxes, depending on the size. You can get an extra-small P. O. box for about $5 a month, a small box for around $6, a medium box for about $10, and a large box for around $14. [12] X Research source

Banning your ex-partner from entering the workplace Switching your office or work location Letting you work remotely

Of course, you can always file a restraining order if your abuser is stalking you and invading your privacy.

“I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through, but I want you to know that I’m here. Please feel free to vent and share how you’re feeling. I’m always willing to listen!”

“It must be really frustrating when your partner doesn’t let you go out and spend time with your friends. ” “I was really sad to hear all of the mean comments Alan was making about you yesterday. He seems to say things like that pretty frequently. ”

Put them in touch with a domestic violence shelter Connect them with a local support group Provide them with hotlines to call