Whilst the risk of staying may be very high, simply leaving the relationship does not guarantee that the violence will stop. In fact, the period during which a survivor is planning or making their exit, can often be the most dangerous time for them.
Families can react to people choosing to leave a relationship in different ways – sometimes helpful, sometimes not, even if their help is well intentioned families don’t always have the information they need to provide positive help.
At the moment leaving might feel particularly difficult and you might be worried about having to leave your home in an emergency. If possible pack an emergency bag for you and your children and keep it somewhere safe. Try to include essential things such as medication, identification, money or cards and essential clothing for you and your children.
In the end the decision to leave is one that only the person experiencing abuse can make. We will support you to enable you to make their decision that is right for you and your children. We can also provide advice on how to stay as safe as possible and what actions might be open to people leaving abusive relationships.
For advice and support please ring the BWA helpline
0808 801 0882. Calls to this helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.
or email helpdesk@bwaid.org.uk