How to Find Safety in an Abusive Relationship

 Posted on February 12, 2014 in Family Law

If you or a loved one are in an abusive relationship and do not know where to turn or how to get out, remember that you are not alone. The best way to find safety is to leave the abuser, but sometimes this is not easy to do, especially if the abused person is financially dependent on their abuser.

If you're married, divorce can take time. Your abuser, whether he or she was your spouse or not can still find you. After getting away safely, you should seek an 0rder of protection, which legally restricts your abuser from being near you, locations you frequent such as your home or workplace, and from contacting you.

Other tips from DomesticViolence.org to find safety include the following:

• Get help from family and friends: They may be able to help get you out of a bad situation and get the legal or medical help that you need;
• Find a safe place: If you are concerned that your abuser will seek you out at the homes of friends and family, there are shelters available for abused women to find safety;
• Call the police: You can call 911 anytime you feel threatened or in danger of your abuser and they can help you;
  • Police can protect you and your family and help you safely leave your home;
  • If you have enough proof of your abuse, the police will arrest your abuser;
  • If you have a personal protection order, or an order of protection already and the abuser has violated it, the police can arrest him or her;
  • Pictures and witnesses of abuse marks can be used in court;
  • If you are being abused when the police arrive, they must make a report, which can be used in court;
  • Broken property is also important to note for the police and for court evidence.
• Seek medical help: If a hospital worker suspects abuse, he or she may contact authorities that can help you. The medical records can also be used in court.
• After any physical abuse, it is especially important to seek medical attention because;
• • You may not even know that you have suffered from an injury;
  • A small injury may be more severe than you think;
  • If you are hit in the stomach while you are pregnant, your unborn child may have been injured;
  • You may have unknowingly suffered a closed head injury;
    • Symptoms include: memory loss, dizziness, constant headaches, puking, and eyesight issues.

Once you have gotten yourself, at least temporarily, out of harm's way, contact a family law attorney to seek an Order of Protection against your abuser. Attorneys in Batavia, Ill. can help you feel safe from your abuser today.