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Staying Safe: After You Leave a Violent Relationship

Overview

After you leave a violent relationship, you may have to take extra steps to stay safe. For example, if you printed out this information, it's safer to keep it in the hands of a trusted friend than at home.

Here are some tips that may increase your safety. Keep in mind that this information is not official legal advice.

  • Get help from free resources.
    • The National Domestic Violence Hotline at www.thehotline.org or 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) is a free hotline that's available 24 hours every day in English and other languages.
    • The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence's website at ncadv.org/resources can help you find shelter and legal support.
    • The website www.myplanapp.org has a free app to help you make a plan.
    • Your local shelter for domestic abuse victims can help answer your questions. They also can help you deal with legal issues and find temporary housing.
  • Think about getting a protection order (sometimes called a restraining order).
    • Talk to the police or a hotline or shelter advocate about whether this might be a good idea for you.
    • If you get a protection order, always keep a copy with you. Give copies of it and a photo of your partner to your children's school, people who help care for or transport your children, and your workplace. (Front desk or security employees can use a photo and protection order to prevent your partner from entering.)
  • Let others know.
    • Tell people who help care for or transport your children.
    • Tell your boss, trusted friends, and neighbors.
  • Get a new phone number or a new phone.
    • Consider a pay-as-you-go phone.
    • Turn off GPS.
    • Use the prerecorded voicemail message. Or have a friend record it. Don't include your name or number.
    • Don't answer calls from unknown, blocked, or private numbers.
  • Watch what you do online.
    • Change passwords to email and social media accounts. Always log off when you're done.
    • Turn off location access.
    • Don't post your location on social media. Ask friends not to tag you.
  • Change your address to a post office (P.O.) box.
  • Make sure you can access your money.
    • You might open a new bank account (using a P.O. box or the address of a trusted contact).
    • Or you might have friends or family hold money for you.
  • Change your emergency contacts at work and at your children's school.
  • Change any upcoming appointments your partner knows about (like a doctor's appointment).
  • Change your routine.
    • Vary where you shop, eat, and hang out.
    • Park in different places.
    • Take new routes to work and school.
  • Make your home safer.
    • Change the locks (if you're staying in your same home).
    • Call the police if your abusive partner shows up.
    • Increase security around your home and property. Your local police can give you suggestions.

Related Information

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Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.