Time infinite

Time infinite

Sunday 15 March 2015

Escape abusive relationships

Victims of abuse should always seek to escape their situation in a way that does not put them at risk.  This means choosing to leave without telling the abuser you are leaving.  As a general rule, perpetrators of abuse will not simply allow their victims to leave.  They will use an array of methods to either discourage or simply prevent the victim from leaving.  This might mean physically harming the victim.  It might lead to serious physical harm or even death.  Even in abusive relationships that are less physically damaging, the perpetrator of abuse will make it very hard or impossible for the victim to leave.

Thus, a victim should make a plan to leave and stick to it.  Ideally, victims should leave when the perpetrator is out or when it is possible to slip away.  It might be necessary to make up an excuse for going out, such as visiting the shops.  It is generally not a good idea to tell anyone where you are going until you are a safe distance away from the perpetrator.  There is a wealth of guidance online regarding this.  Local services that protect victims from abuse can also offer advice.

It goes without saying that children should always accompany the victim of abuse to a place of refuge.  If it's possible to stay with a trusted person who lives a safe distance away from the perpetrator of abuse, and, who is not known by the perpetrator, this may be a favourable option. However there are refuges across the UK which are safe places for victims to stay. The majority of these refuges are for women, however there are some for men.  The addresses of these places is not public but a contact telephone number always is.  They offer support and, most importantly secure accommodation. 

Refuge is an excellent organisation that offers help, advice and information on local refuges.  http://www.refuge.org.uk/.

If victims are in immeadiate danger, without exception, the police must always be called.  If possible, escape to safety with any children first, then call the police.

Although this is a difficult and emotive subject, the more we talk about it, the greater the possibility that domestic abuse will cease to be hidden behind closed doors and significantly, more victims will find their way into a safer, brighter future.

Yours,

The Renegade Glitter Fairy
xx

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