Research and plan an exit strategy and cover your tracks when doing so

In order to leave safely and reduce the likelihood of going back, you need a plan that ensures you have somewhere safe to live and enough money to get by until you find your feet. Many victims stay in abusive relationships because they are financially dependent on their partner, however there is always a way out.

Firstly, you need to research what financial options are open to you. A simple online search for ‘domestic abuse help’ will bring up lots of different charities that detail such information on their website, however it is unlikely to be reflective of your specific situation so you should just use this as a starting point and do not be disheartened if you cannot find the information online. Refuge and Women’s Aid both offer 24-hour advice lines which you can call and seek advice specific to your situation. I would recommend contacting them and thoroughly explaining your situation and they will advise on you on the best course of action to take.

In addition to charities, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau offers practical advice to victims. This is particularly useful if you are in the UK on your partner’s visa but want to escape an abusive relationship, as they can advise you on how to stay in the UK to escape domestic violence.

When you are ready to report the abuser to the police you should also contact an experienced family law solicitor as they will help you to build a case against your partner and resolve the situation safely for you and other family members.

A lawyer explains how to safely escape an abusive relationship