How to Break Up With an Abusive Spouse

Spousal abuse is a very serious form of exploitation, and it will become worse over time if you let it go on. The abuse can be physical or emotional. The abuser, motivated by an absence of power and feelings of insecurity, will do anything to gain a false sense of control that inflates his ego. The abuser blames the victim for the negative behavior.

Instructions

• 1

  Plan your breakup with your abusive spouse. Call an expert like the Rape Crisis Center or People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) for information and help.

• 2

  Make contact with family and friends and tell them about the abuse. You may need protection and shelter for a couple of weeks.

• 3

  Look for the facts and the truth behind the abuser's threats. Children are often used by the abuser as pawns to discourage the victim from leaving. More often than not, the courts will award the children to the victim of spousal abuse.

• 4

  Get a couple of male relatives or friends to accompany you when you tell your spouse you are leaving. Make sure they are prepared to help you move immediately after the announcement.

• 5

  Move into a shelter initially, so the whereabouts of you and your children are secret. Or, move in with family or friends.

• 6

  Alert security at work, and get a friend or security personnel to accompany you to or from your car.

• 7

  Ask family and friends to recommend a good attorney. Most attorneys will offer a free consultation.