Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Good support system
- Journal
- Courage
- Identification
Step1
Use your support system. If you don't have one, create one. Your friends, co-workers or the pastor of your church are all good examples. If there is abuse involved, your pastor and co-workers are the best choices. They will be able to talk to you about work or church issues, when your friends would talk about more personal subjects.
Step2
Keep a journal. Make sure it is not at your house. Find a safe place, like your work or a friend's house.
Step3
Develop a code between you and a confidant. Make it a phrase that you don't normally use, such as "Did you watch the news?" This can be your hint that something is wrong and your friends should call 911.
Step4
Create an exit plan. Know where local shelters are. Find a place where you can stay for a few days. Put a few dollars aside when you can. Keep all your important documents in a safe place. ID cards, insurance papers, bank account information, etc., should be kept in a place where you can get to them in a hurry. Include a note about your situation, if you feel it's necessary.
Step5
Open a separate bank account, if you can. It will come in handy if your other resources are not available to you.
Step6
Be true to yourself. Your significant other may try to win you back by "changing their ways." This doesn't always last. Take your time. Deal with the issues honestly. Face the facts. Admit to your mistakes, but remember that all relationships have two partners. Don't be a martyr. Let your partner be responsible for his own actions.
Novice 
