About Life After Domestic Violence
Rebuilding a life after domestic violence can be both exciting and a little frightening. Survivors must balance safety concerns with new freedoms and opportunities. Domestic violence is about power and control. Getting back in the driver's seat of your own life is all about rebuilding confidence, reestablishing connections and renewing dreams and plans.
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Take Time for Healing
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Survivors of domestic violence often feel they aren't entitled to grieve the loss of their relationships. Even though the relationship was violent, there were likely times when it was pleasant, normal and enjoyable; it is okay to have conflicted feelings after it ends.
Rediscover Yourself
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Take time to remember who you are and what brings you joy. Now is the perfect time to dust off old dreams, explore new ones and make a basic list of things that create good feelings and fun.
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Consider Going Back to School
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The Sunshine Lady Foundation offers scholarships for survivors of domestic violence. Local community colleges are very affordable and convenient for older adults returning to school.
Rebuild Relationships
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Domestic violence is often marked by isolation from family and friends. The time period after escaping domestic violence is a good time to rebuild relationships and enjoy all the benefits of connecting with caring people.
Reestablish Parental Authority and Relationships
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Sometimes the violent partner will undermine the parental authority of the parent enduring abuse. Now is a good time to work as a family--often alongside a counselor--to reestablish a healthy parent/child relationship.
Stay Safe
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Don't be embarrassed to let neighbors, friends and co-workers know if you have ongoing safety concerns. Develop a safety plan. Make sure all family members are aware of the plan.
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