Building Courage to Leave an Abusive Relationship

1. Understanding the Nature of Abuse

Identify Abuse: Abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, financial, or psychological. Each form reduces your sense of safety.
Acknowledge the Impact: Abuse lowers self-esteem and creates fear. It also leads to isolation, which makes leaving harder.

2. Reclaiming Your Self-Worth

Recognising Your Value: You deserve love, respect, and freedom from fear.
Combatting Self-Doubt: Abusers often use guilt or shame to control you. Therefore, learning how to challenge those thoughts is essential.

3. Building a Support System

Reach Out for Help: Friends, family, and counsellors can offer emotional support.
Utilising Resources: Shelters, helplines, and support services also provide confidential guidance and practical help.

4. Creating a Safety Plan

Plan for Safety: A safety plan gives you clear steps to follow when danger increases.
Prepare for Challenges: Leaving can bring obstacles. However, planning ahead keeps you safer.

5. Taking Small, Manageable Steps

Break Down the Process: Small steps such as saving money or gathering documents make leaving easier.
Celebrate Progress: Each action builds momentum and increases your confidence.

6. Overcoming Fear and Manipulation

Recognising Manipulative Tactics: Abusers may use threats, guilt, or promises of change.
Build Emotional Resilience: Simple grounding techniques can reduce anxiety and strengthen your resolve.