Deciding Whether to Stay or Break Up With an Abusive Person

 

  • Talk to someone -- a parent, another family member, a friend, a coach, a teacher, your physician, a counselor, a clergy person, or someone else you trust.  You can also get support from Love Is Respect by calling, online chatting or texting the hotline. 
  • If you decide to break up with this person and if you decide to do it in person, choose a public place like the mall or a restaurant (rather than a house or car).  Make a plan to meet friends or a family member right after you speak with the person.  Let the people you are meeting know where you will be coming from and what time to expect you.
  • Give yourself some space and take care of yourself. If you can, make time for people and/or activities you enjoy and have been away from for awhile.