How to Recover from Domestic Abuse

Among the millions of women, men and children who are domestic-abuse victims, the majority fail to seek professional help. Consequently, those with chronic psychological effects have limited recovery from domestic abuse, diminishing their quality of life. Some may go on to enter additional abusive relationships, whether physical, psychological or verbal. Additionally, suicides and substance abuse further threaten some domestic-abuse victims. Consider these sources and tips to help you or a loved one recover from domestic abuse more readily and begin a path to a happier life.

Instructions

• 1

  Ensure that the threat of domestic abuse is removed. It is essential to secure your safety and prevent future attacks of retribution. A family or friend's home may not be the safest place to stay, initially. Contact a domestic-abuse hotline or local shelter for instructions on finding and maintaining a safe place to live, or call 9-1-1 for emergency help. Otherwise, consult The National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE for more assistance.

• 2

  Address immediate physical, legal, financial and emotional needs first. To recover from domestic abuse successfully, victims must overcome any desire to return to the abuser, which happens more readily when victims feel alone or destitute. Visit the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence at ncadv.org for state and national resources.

• 3

  Talk to a family doctor or local hospital for recommendations if you are unsure where to begin seeking help to recover from domestic abuse. In the last 10 to 15 years, physician involvement for abuse victims has become more commonplace. Health professionals can offer recommendations for abuse recovery at any stage.

• 4

  Seek out psychological services to deal with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, depression, detachment and poor self-confidence. Many communities provide services based on a sliding-fee scale. Even if a victim feels she is on solid ground, a screening can provide insight for future needs. Proactive and timely attempts to recover from domestic abuse will promote a better long-term outcome.

• 5

  Recover from domestic abuse by reaching out to other domestic-abuse victims. Join a support group to obtain help and provide help to others though your journey. Support groups serve many functions besides simply expressing grief. They may provide invaluable help when faced with vocational, relationship and other functional challenges.