Domestic abuse is unfortunately all too common — and many cases go unreported. If you are married to an abusive spouse, there are several steps you can take to get out of the relationship and protect yourself and your children:
- Keep it quiet: First and foremost, never alert your abuser about your plans to leave him or her. The steps you take will need to be kept quiet until you are ultimately able to take bigger actions.
- Contact an abuse hotline: There are various domestic abuse hotlines that can help direct you to important resources in your area to keep you safe, including shelters you can go to and stay at. If it’s an emergency situation, dial 911 immediately.
- Have a safety plan: If you’re able to put aside money, clothing, important documents or other necessities in case you need to quickly leave, you should do so. Find a place you can stay if an emergency occurs, and loop in trusted friends or family members. It’s important to be prepared, as it’s never easy to predict how the situation could escalate.
- Contact an attorney: A divorce attorney can provide you with important resources that will help keep you safe while also facilitating all of the legal elements associated with divorce and orders of protection.
- Get counseling: Many domestic violence centers provide free counseling to victims. These counselors can discuss your situation with you, provide therapy and connect you to additional important resources. If you’re already working with an attorney, he or she will be able to recommend counseling programs to you.
For more information and guidance on the steps to take if you are the victim of domestic abuse, meet with a trusted Minnesota divorce lawyer at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.