Leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult and challenging. There are all sorts of good reasons why a survivor may not be ready to leave an abusive relationship:
- You may still care for your abuser and hope that they will change (many survivors don’t necessarily want to leave the relationship, they just want the abuse to stop).
- You may feel ashamed about what has happened or believe that it is your fault.
- You may be scared of the future (where you will go, what you will do for money, whether you will have to hide forever and what will happen to the children).
- You may feel too exhausted or unsure to make any decisions.
- You may be isolated from family or friends or be prevented from leaving the home or reaching out for help.
- You may not know where to go.
- You may feel worthless as a result of the abuse.
- You may believe that it is better to stay for the sake of the children
All of these factors are pressures on the person experiencing the abuse.
Talking to someone can help – so for advice and support contact our 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 helpdesk@bwaid.org.uk