How can I prepare to leave a domestic violence situation?

Being in a domestic violence situation is very dangerous, but leaving the situation may be incredibly difficult. It is essential that if you find yourself in such a situation that you create a solid plan for leaving before you ever take the first step. This will help you to ensure you have support and the ability to stay away from the situation. 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline explains that you want to create a safety plan that includes all the details of your leave. You will need to assess your situation, including the potential for a violent reaction to you leaving. It is important to identify your support system, including where you will go. You want to ensure that you have a safe place to go where your partner will be unable to come after you. Ideally, you want a place where he or she will not be able to find you. 

You also will need to think about finances. This may take time to get together, but you also need to identify those who can assist you with this. You may not need nearly as much money right away as you think because there are many options for assistance. However, you should identify possible income sources and try to prepare yourself in any way you can, such as taking classes or getting training, to begin working. 

It is essential to also protect your children if you have them. You need to get things in order legally so that you are not violating any court orders and you have legal protection for you and your kids.