If You’re Leaving Your Abuser, You Need A Plan. Here’s How To Make One.

The right plan will save you from additional and avoidable trauma.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Leaving an abusive relationship isn’t as simple as breaking up. Statistics show that the greatest chance for physical violence between intimate partners is immediately after the relationship has ended, which is why you need a well-thought-out plan before severing ties.

Here are five things you can do to get started:

1. Gather evidence of the abuse.

This can include photos, text messages, audio recordings or other types of evidence. Store them someplace safe (ideally digital) and make sure that someone you trust can also access them. Even if you’re worried about having enough evidence, do not jeopardize your safety by attempting to provoke your abuser in an effort to obtain more. No potential benefit outweighs the risk of your life.

What this may entail: create a Google Drive folder containing screenshots of abusive messages, photos of personal injuries and property destruction, and screenshots of messages you’ve sent to people that describe the abuse; share the folder with a best friend or relative who can make their own copy in the event your abusive partner has access to your accounts and…