Domestic Violence Support and Safety Form.

[Branch]

"This form is designed to help individuals experiencing abuse understand the dynamics of family violence and the importance of prioritizing their safety and well-being. Women and men who share their stories here are not only taking an important step toward their own healing, but they are also helping others—especially women and children—who are currently suffering in domestic abuse situations. Every nine seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten, and 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner. Additionally, 15.5 million children witness domestic violence each year, which can lead to lasting emotional and psychological harm. By sharing experiences and reasons to leave, survivors create a powerful source of hope and strength for those still trapped in abusive relationships. Your safety, dignity, and choices are respected throughout this process."

 

[RebekC]

"This form is designed to help individuals experiencing abuse understand the dynamics of family violence and the importance of prioritizing their safety and well-being. Women and men who share their stories here are not only taking an important step toward their own healing, but they are also helping others—especially women and children—who are currently suffering in domestic abuse situations. Every nine seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten, and 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner. Additionally, 15.5 million children witness domestic violence each year, which can lead to lasting emotional and psychological harm. By sharing experiences and reasons to leave, survivors create a powerful source of hope and strength for those still trapped in abusive relationships. Your safety, dignity, and choices are respected throughout this process."

Not just psychical violence also mental and emotional abuse. . Qualify it in the same way as straight forward a psychical violence. The man I had my child with he was mentally and emotionally abusive I left a couple times to get out of the situation and felt forced to go back because the system only acknowledged psychical violence as abuse. I ended up being in that relationship for 10 years before I was able to get out and he ended up passing away suddenly from health issues. My situation as messed up as I was after it. The reason I ended up in the relationship was because the way I grew up was emotionally and mentally abusive and that was what I knew.

 

[ThereRoseaLamb]

"This form is designed to help individuals experiencing abuse understand the dynamics of family violence and the importance of prioritizing their safety and well-being. Women and men who share their stories here are not only taking an important step toward their own healing, but they are also helping others—especially women and children—who are currently suffering in domestic abuse situations. Every nine seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten, and 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner. Additionally, 15.5 million children witness domestic violence each year, which can lead to lasting emotional and psychological harm. By sharing experiences and reasons to leave, survivors create a powerful source of hope and strength for those still trapped in abusive relationships. Your safety, dignity, and choices are respected throughout this process."

A wonderful idea. I know many are looking for hope or even someone to talk to that they can trust. I hope a lot are helped here.

 

[Branch]

Not just psychical violence also mental and emotional abuse. . Qualify it in the same way as straight forward a psychical violence. The reason I ended up in the relationship was because the way I grew up was emotionally and mentally abusive and that was what I knew.

Dear RebekC. Greetings.
Thank you for sharing your story. I understand that emotional and mental abuse deserve to be treated with the same seriousness as physical abuse. It should be a crime to damage a person's self-esteem. Fighting with someone using harsh words is very painful "Because the victim is constantly bombarded with hurtful words and threats, the wounds from emotional abuse can be even worse than physical ones, as they often last much longer. If you could see all the verbal abuse I suffered from my dad, you would understand how deeply scarred I am. Many survivors live with lasting effects on their brain and emotions because of emotional abuse."

Love is very important for a person to grow up healthy. People need to learn how to care for themselves and others. When a child does not get love, they may grow up replacing love with cruelty, jealousy, and hate toward people.

Although my mother had good qualities, so did my dad. The pain and neglect I experienced shaped my life. The constant belittling and emotional pain sometimes made my brain shut down, which psychologists say is a defence to protect the mind. I noticed this problem in college when I found I was a whole page short in my notes and could not explain it. The abuse caused me to have, at some point, a nervous breakdown in childhood, though I do not know exactly when. For a long time, I could not say my own name without difficulty.

My father was put in an orphanage when he was 3 years old, where severe cruelty was common. He was lucky to have survived. His pain affected everything he did. At 22, I married a man just like my father. I spent many years in a harmful marriage. I was able to get a lifetime restraining order against him. I never want to marry again. "Today, I live a good and Christian life. I want you to know that Jesus has been with me, protecting me since the day I was born. He has never left me and has always helped me. Amen."

It hurts my heart to read how you were made to return to a harmful place because the system did not believe emotional abuse was real. This shows how much more society needs to learn and help survivors.

Your story matters. By sharing it, you help others understand that abuse also means control, fear, and breaking someone’s spirit. Many women stay trapped because the wrong kind of love they knew as children teaches them what love is not. Studies show that those who suffer emotional abuse as children are more likely to face the same pain as adults. The cycle seems endless until help and hope come.

Your voice is a beacon of hope for future survivors. By speaking out, you help make sure others will be seen and heard. May God bless your courage and honesty, sister. Amen.

Two Simple Facts About Emotional Abuse:

• Almost half of all women in the United States have been hurt by someone they love, not by hitting, but by words or actions that make them feel bad or scared.
• One out of four women and one out of six men have been treated badly by a partner who said or did things to make them feel hurt or worthless since they were teenagers.

 

[Branch]

Not just psychical violence also mental and emotional abuse. . Qualify it in the same way as straight forward a psychical violence. The man I had my child with he was mentally and emotionally abusive I left a couple times to get out of the situation and felt forced to go back because the system only acknowledged psychical violence as abuse. I ended up being in that relationship for 10 years before I was able to get out and he ended up passing away suddenly from health issues. My situation as messed up as I was after it. The reason I ended up in the relationship was because the way I grew up was emotionally and mentally abusive and that was what I knew.

Statistics and Long-Term Effects

• Emotional abuse and neglect often cause more harmful long-term negative effects than physical or sexual abuse, including risks for anxiety, depression, cognitive delays, psychosis, substance abuse, and physical health problems.
• Around 14% of Americans report experiencing emotional abuse or neglect in childhood; these experiences can profoundly change the developing brain and affect mental health throughout life.
• Survivors of childhood abuse are at much higher risk for school failure, substance abuse, risky behavior, mental illness (including depression and suicide attempts), and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
• Over half of depression and almost 60% of suicide attempts in women are directly linked to adverse childhood experiences.
• Emotional abuse leaves many children with memory issues, shame, and difficulty connecting with others.

 

[Branch]

1. Alicia's Story: Alicia came to a shelter with her two children, badly bruised from her abusive husband who had isolated her and threatened her life. With shelter support, she recovered in the hospital, filed police reports, got restraining orders, and received financial and counseling assistance. Her husband was arrested while armed and near her relatives. Alicia now lives in a rented home, has employment, childcare, and her children are enrolled in school. She feels happy, safe, and free.
2. Luke's Story: Luke, a boy who witnessed violence at home, recalls how his mother took him and his siblings to a shelter after a violent incident led to their father being jailed. They lived in transitional housing with programs that helped the family heal and provided education and art classes. Luke is now a thriving high school student and athlete, avoiding violence and aiming to be a lawyer to help others.
3. Catherine's Story: Catherine suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by her husband who threatened her and her children's lives. She called the police and sought help at a shelter with her two children. Supported by advocates, she obtained restraining orders, custody of her kids, and counseling. Catherine moved into transitional housing and is working towards a career in law enforcement, growing confident and hopeful.
4. Andrea's Story: Andrea secured a restraining order with help from victim advocates. After her abusive husband violated the order and intimidated her at work, she fled with her children to a Safehouse. There she and her children received counseling and legal support. Andrea divorced her husband, who was convicted, and now lives free of fear in a healthy relationship.
5. Rebecca's Story: Rebecca left her controlling and violent husband with her toddler and unborn child after a particularly violent night. With counseling and transitional housing assistance from a church, she successfully moved into a new home free of family violence.

These are real-life stories from domestic violence shelters and support organizations, showing how survivors with their children found safety, support, and new beginnings through legal action, shelter, counseling, and community aid.

 

[shittim]

Want to prevent this? Ask, seek, find and walk out His guidance for our life.
How many, myself included, married asking God to bless something He had no part in?
Christ must be the center of our life, we have lost so much in relationship since Eden.
blessings

 

[Branch]

Dear Friend,

You are brave, and you are not alone.

If you are trying to get away from someone who hurts you—whether he says mean things, threatens you, or has ever scared you or your children—you are making the right choice. Even if the person never hit you, leaving is still the best thing for you and your children. Everyone deserves to feel safe, loved, and happy, and you will be okay.

You do not need a car to leave. Some families use a bus or even a plane to get to a safe place. There are groups that can help with tickets and shelters that are ready to help you start over. If you want to buy a handgun in the future to protect yourself, that is okay. You can always learn how to use it safely, with help from friendly instructors.

There is a lot of support and many people who care about you. There are shelters, places to live, people to talk to, and even help with money, food, and new schools for your children. Here are phone numbers and organizations that can help right now, no matter where you are or what time it is:

United States

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788
• Safe Horizon: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 303-839-1852
• DomesticShelters.org (find a local shelter):

Canada

• Assaulted Women's Helpline (Ontario): 1-866-863-0511
• SOS Violence Conjugale (Quebec): 1-800-363-9010
• VictimLinkBC (British Columbia): 1-800-563-0808
• Family Violence Information Line (Alberta): 1-780-310-1818
• ShelterSafe.ca (find a shelter):

United Kingdom

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England): 0808 2000 247
• Scottish Women’s Aid: 0800 027 1234
• Welsh Women’s Aid: 0808 80 10 800
• Refuge (UK-wide): 0808 2000 247
• Women's Aid:

Financial and Shelter Resources

• In the USA: Grants and emergency funding are available through local women’s centers and charities. Ask at shelters or visit [DomesticShelters.org].
• In Canada: See your province’s help line for emergency funds and support.
• In the UK: Local councils, Family Action, Buttle UK, and other groups help with food, housing, and grants.

When you leave abuse, you give your children the gift of safety and a better life. There are kind people everywhere who want to help you. Be strong and keep going—you can build a new life, and you will find peace and happiness again.

You will be okay. There is hope and there are resources for you, today and every day.

With caring and hope,
A Friend

If you are ever in immediate danger, call 911 (USA/Canada) or 999 (UK) right away. Help will come.

 

[Branch]

Want to prevent this? Ask, seek, find and walk out His guidance for our life.
How many, myself included, married asking God to bless something He had no part in?
Christ must be the center of our life, we have lost so much in relationship since Eden.
blessings

Dear Shittim, "It goes against nature and basic human compassion for anyone to lack pity for women and children suffering from abuse. Abuse is a serious violation of another person's dignity and safety, and it always harms those who are vulnerable. It is never the fault of the victim—no one deserves to suffer abuse, and no one should be blamed for the harmful actions of another.

Your words and actions matter greatly, and to dismiss or shame a victim only deepens their pain and prolongs the damage. True strength comes from humility, accountability, and care for others, especially those who are vulnerable and hurting. If you truly respect God and humanity, you will acknowledge that abusive behavior is wrong, harmful, and must be confronted—not justified or excused.

To deny pity or understanding to those who suffer abuse is to deny the very core of love and justice. It is time to take responsibility for your attitude and actions, to seek help, and to treat others with the dignity and kindness every human deserves." I hope this helps you. God bless you, Brother, go in peace.

 

[shittim]

Of course it is painful to acknowledge, and thank you, kindly, for not only the sympathy but being moved with compassion to alleviate this human suffering.
Men fix things and/or prevent them from happening in the first place, THAT is the man version of true compassion.
best wishes

 

[Carlyw]

I guess ill write some of my story here as i figure it might be nice, or helpful!

At 16 years old I was taken by a grown man who I had met online.

Backstory:
We had met when I was around 14 years of age, almost 15. I had told him I was 16. He had lied about his age as well, he was 36. I was lead to believe that he was 18, then 22, then 25.

This man had a wife, and was an illegal immigrant. His wife was with him for money and support, and he was with her for documents.

I did not know almost any of this until months after we had met, but at that point I had fallen in love, as strange as that sounds.

He was abusive the whole time emotionally, and verbally. He had threatened to leave me many times over when I had voiced concerns over some of our actions. He had created a porn account of me, on instagram, with the images he asked for and was using my pictures to catfish men online, possibly for money. I am not sure of his intents. He gained a decent following. I did ask that he would take the account down, however he didn't want to. He wouldnt. Anytime I had disagreed he would threaten to leave and I did whatever he asked because I genuinely loved him.

When I turned 16 my home life was very crazy, my brother was in a lot of legal trouble and my sister left. My parents turned off the internet, and my ex(the 36 year old man) got scared so he talked to his wife who then went with him to pick me up. I had no idea they were on there way until he contacted a close friend of mine.

After 3-4 days they were here and my brother, who actually was home for once saw me leave. I felt horrible leaving, but I knew I had to. At least it felt that way. They drove so long to come and get me. They said I had a choice but it didnt feel as if I did, especially given that I knew that if I didn't follow my ex would had left me.

For the rest of the story Ill kind of leave out details to some extent,

The first night we ended up being intimate, which was horrible. I didnt want to really, but I had no voice. It didnt traumatize me at first, as I thought It was normal. I did not have proper education about these things. I had no knowladge of consent. Later now, I hurt more.

After we arrived in Florida I found out he had no money, and was maxing out his credit cards. He blamed me for this. He was a very rude and verbally violent man. He would yell at me for hours.

We soon after went homeless, and we stayed with freinds of his, house hopping occasionally. During this time he pimped me out online to make money for food. He did not get a job, for whatever reason(he lied and told me it was because he lacked work documents)

He was very controling throughout this process.

At the age of 18 he got me my ID and we had signed up for a online site for sex work. He had me doing that. I payed all of the bills, cleaned everything, did all of the cooking and worked a job I hated. He exploited those who followed me, handled everything, lied to all and abused me. It was very frustrating. At the time I was not christian, I did not see an issue with legal sex work, but I had a major issue with the lying and stealing.

Once again I did not have a voice. Anytime I would speak up he would get angry and yell and belittle me for hours. He would make threats and I just would sit back and take that. I was scared.

Eventually I left, and he promised me he would change but didnt.

Then I caught him looking at what seemed to be sexually explicit material of children or...maybe..it was disturbing. Anyway, that caused me to leave.

There's a weird shame about verbal abuse, and mental abuse/manipulation. You stay, even when you know its wrong. That can kind of lead you to blame yourself. Not only that, people say things like "why didn't you leave", or "you know you could have left". These comments dont exactly help. Its hard to leave. You become so used to being torn down, you kind of loose yourself. You become totally codependent on this person for sense of being. You feel lost without them. They mean the world to you somehow. Its strange. I did love my ex, but im glad im out of that situation.

Now im 23 and Christian. I have come to terms with everything that had happened. I still talk with the Man today and he genuinely has changed, from what Ive seen. I forgive him. I will never fully trust him though.

There's benefits I had learned afterwards like independence, when and what I will allow for myself, self respect towrds my body and its value, and how to handle conflict with a very angry irrational foolish tempered person. It helped me become much more patient, and somewhat compassionate after the initial anger subsided. I look back and see many good memories as well as bad.

My main take away for an outsider would be that you cant force someone to leave, that we will do what we want. That it seems easy to leave but that its hard. We have been degraded unto the point we feel less than human. We feel lost without whoever. We even at times feel like we deserve it, that if we just did whatever they wanted things would be loving and nice. We dont always understand, and if we did, chances are love would keep us there. But still, feel free to educate. Just dont become embittered when we stay. It reinforces our shame.

For those in the abusive relationship my main take away is that its hard, and it sucks. You probably have a faint desire for things to be better and youre hoping that if you just stay you will feel loved more completely. This may or may not happen, but chances are if you do not have a voice and have seen no change, it probably won't happen. You dont have to stay, you're worth more, but if you stay there is no shame for you. You deserve understanding and compassion. It is hard.

And also if you've left,

Also dont let the past embitter you forever, theres a time for righteous anger, but one day you'll have to move on and learn to forgive and love. You will be able to grow and move past it, and you may never be the same but you'll have more wisdom by your side. God let's everything happen for a reason. You can grow and learn from the situation, no matter how hard. You will heal, life is not hopeless.

Also please no sympathy! It sounds weird, I know its good and normal to empathize with people and all that. I just would rather not be dragged back into all of the emotions and what not. I may have healed for the most part, but it can be easy to fall back into the past if I dwell there long enough. I like to move on and take the good, and try to forget the bad as best as possible. I only go back when significant or helpful.

 

[Branch]

A Letter of Hope and Strength to Women Facing Abuse

Dear Sister,

I want you to know that you are not alone, and you do not have to endure abuse any longer. Every year, countless women and children find freedom and safety by taking courageous steps to protect themselves and reclaim their lives. You deserve that same freedom and peace.

If you are suffering emotional, mental, or physical abuse, it's vital to seek help through the legal protections available to you. Restraining orders, also called protection orders, are court orders designed to keep your abuser away from you and your children. They can stop your abuser from contacting you, coming near your home, your workplace, or your children's school.

It is critical to include your children on the restraining order if they have been exposed to abuse, whether emotional or physical. In many situations, children suffer harm through witnessing abuse or through abuse directed at them. The law recognizes this and provides ways to protect minors from exposure to violence. You can request that the court restrict the abuser from custody, visitation, or contact with your children if there is a risk.

You do not need a lawyer to get a restraining order. The process can often be started at your local courthouse, police station, or women's shelter. There is usually no cost to file for a domestic violence restraining order. After filing, the court typically schedules a temporary order that can offer immediate protection, followed by a hearing where the abuser can respond.

For your safety and your children's, it is best to get a restraining order as soon as possible after leaving an abusive relationship. If you can, consider relocating far from your abuser, even to another state, to better protect yourself and your children. Planning your escape carefully, including saving money from your household budget, can make a significant difference in achieving a safe new start.

Remember, abuse never defines your worth, and you are not responsible for another’s violent actions. You deserve love, respect, and safety. Reaching out for help is a brave and powerful step, and many women before you have made that choice and found hope and healing on the other side.

Help is available 24/7 through hotlines and local agencies that specialize in domestic violence support and legal assistance. You do not have to face this alone.

Take heart—freedom and peace are possible, and you are worthy of both.

With love and support,

A Friend Who Cares

 

[Branch]

I guess ill write some of my story here as i figure it might be nice, or helpful!

At 16 years old I was taken by a grown man who I had met online.

Backstory:
We had met when I was around 14 years of age, almost 15. I had told him I was 16. He had lied about his age as well, he was 36. I was lead to believe that he was 18, then 22, then 25.

This man had a wife, and was an illegal immigrant. His wife was with him for money and support, and he was with her for documents.

I did not know almost any of this until months after we had met, but at that point I had fallen in love, as strange as that sounds.

He was abusive the whole time emotionally, and verbally. He had threatened to leave me many times over when I had voiced concerns over some of our actions. He had created a porn account of me, on instagram, with the images he asked for and was using my pictures to catfish men online, possibly for money. I am not sure of his intents. He gained a decent following. I did ask that he would take the account down, however he didn't want to. He wouldnt. Anytime I had disagreed he would threaten to leave and I did whatever he asked because I genuinely loved him.

When I turned 16 my home life was very crazy, my brother was in a lot of legal trouble and my sister left. My parents turned off the internet, and my ex(the 36 year old man) got scared so he talked to his wife who then went with him to pick me up. I had no idea they were on there way until he contacted a close friend of mine.

After 3-4 days they were here and my brother, who actually was home for once saw me leave. I felt horrible leaving, but I knew I had to. At least it felt that way. They drove so long to come and get me. They said I had a choice but it didnt feel as if I did, especially given that I knew that if I didn't follow my ex would had left me.

For the rest of the story Ill kind of leave out details to some extent,

The first night we ended up being intimate, which was horrible. I didnt want to really, but I had no voice. It didnt traumatize me at first, as I thought It was normal. I did not have proper education about these things. I had no knowladge of consent. Later now, I hurt more.

After we arrived in Florida I found out he had no money, and was maxing out his credit cards. He blamed me for this. He was a very rude and verbally violent man. He would yell at me for hours.

We soon after went homeless, and we stayed with freinds of his, house hopping occasionally. During this time he pimped me out online to make money for food. He did not get a job, for whatever reason(he lied and told me it was because he lacked work documents)

He was very controling throughout this process.

At the age of 18 he got me my ID and we had signed up for a online site for sex work. He had me doing that. I payed all of the bills, cleaned everything, did all of the cooking and worked a job I hated. He exploited those who followed me, handled everything, lied to all and abused me. It was very frustrating. At the time I was not christian, I did not see an issue with legal sex work, but I had a major issue with the lying and stealing.

Once again I did not have a voice. Anytime I would speak up he would get angry and yell and belittle me for hours. He would make threats and I just would sit back and take that. I was scared.

Eventually I left, and he promised me he would change but didnt.

Then I caught him looking at what seemed to be sexually explicit material of children or...maybe..it was disturbing. Anyway, that caused me to leave.

There's a weird shame about verbal abuse, and mental abuse/manipulation. You stay, even when you know its wrong. That can kind of lead you to blame yourself. Not only that, people say things like "why didn't you leave", or "you know you could have left". These comments dont exactly help. Its hard to leave. You become so used to being torn down, you kind of loose yourself. You become totally codependent on this person for sense of being. You feel lost without them. They mean the world to you somehow. Its strange. I did love my ex, but im glad im out of that situation.

Now im 23 and Christian. I have come to terms with everything that had happened. I still talk with the Man today and he genuinely has changed, from what Ive seen. I forgive him. I will never fully trust him though.

There's benefits I had learned afterwards like independence, when and what I will allow for myself, self respect towrds my body and its value, and how to handle conflict with a very angry irrational foolish tempered person. It helped me become much more patient, and somewhat compassionate after the initial anger subsided. I look back and see many good memories as well as bad.

My main take away for an outsider would be that you cant force someone to leave, that we will do what we want. That it seems easy to leave but that its hard. We have been degraded unto the point we feel less than human. We feel lost without whoever. We even at times feel like we deserve it, that if we just did whatever they wanted things would be loving and nice. We dont always understand, and if we did, chances are love would keep us there. But still, feel free to educate. Just dont become embittered when we stay. It reinforces our shame.

For those in the abusive relationship my main take away is that its hard, and it sucks. You probably have a faint desire for things to be better and youre hoping that if you just stay you will feel loved more completely. This may or may not happen, but chances are if you do not have a voice and have seen no change, it probably won't happen. You dont have to stay, you're worth more, but if you stay there is no shame for you. You deserve understanding and compassion. It is hard.

And also if you've left,

Also dont let the past embitter you forever, theres a time for righteous anger, but one day you'll have to move on and learn to forgive and love. You will be able to grow and move past it, and you may never be the same but you'll have more wisdom by your side. God let's everything happen for a reason. You can grow and learn from the situation, no matter how hard. You will heal, life is not hopeless.

Also please no sympathy! It sounds weird, I know its good and normal to empathize with people and all that. I just would rather not be dragged back into all of the emotions and what not. I may have healed for the most part, but it can be easy to fall back into the past if I dwell there long enough. I like to move on and take the good, and try to forget the bad as best as possible. I only go back when significant or helpful.

Dear Carlyw, Greetings. Thank you for sharing your story. Carlyw God bless you. This bible verse is for you.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10
God is always by your side, giving you strength and love. You are never alone, and He will help you through every moment. Amen.
With love,
Branch

 

[Branch]

Not just psychical violence also mental and emotional abuse. . Qualify it in the same way as straight forward a psychical violence. The man I had my child with he was mentally and emotionally abusive I left a couple times to get out of the situation and felt forced to go back because the system only acknowledged psychical violence as abuse. I ended up being in that relationship for 10 years before I was able to get out and he ended up passing away suddenly from health issues. My situation as messed up as I was after it. The reason I ended up in the relationship was because the way I grew up was emotionally and mentally abusive and that was what I knew.

Dear RebekC, I am so sorry you had to go through that horrendous experience. I feel a lot of empathy for the extremely agonising emotional pain you unfairly suffered in the past. I want you to have this bible verse as a gift to you. Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”God bless you, RebekC. Amen. With love, from Branch.

 

[Branch]

Immediate Safety Escape Checklist

1. Plan Your Escape
   • Identify a safe place to go, such as a trusted family member's home or a shelter.
   • Pack a small bag with essential items: ID, important documents, bank cards, some cash, a phone charger, and any necessary medications.
   • If possible, tell your abuser you are visiting family or going away for a few days. If not, be prepared to leave quickly with your children.
2. Leave Safely
   • Take your children with you if you have any.
   • Use your own car, public transport, or ask for help to travel. If you don’t have a car, consider plane or train tickets to travel far away.
   • Avoid going back to the abusive home once you leave.
3. Reach a Safe Location
   • Stay at a shelter or a safe place where you can get support. Call ahead to check availability if possible.
   • Once you arrive in a safe location, plan your next steps carefully.
4. File for a Restraining Order
   • Go to the courthouse as soon as possible, ideally the morning after leaving.
   • Ask for a restraining (protection) order to legally prevent the abuser from contacting or coming near you and your children.
   • Make sure to include your children on the order if they have been hurt or are at risk. This will keep them safe and prevent the abuser from taking them.
5. Understand the Restraining Order
   • The order usually lasts for one year.
   • It is issued by the state where you file it and is effective there.
   • Thanks to federal law (VAWA), your restraining order must be recognized and enforced in all U.S. states.
   • If you move to another state, register your order with the local court or police to keep it active.
6. Prepare for Costs
   • Filing for the order is usually free.
   • You may need to pay a fee to have the order officially served (delivered) to the abuser, usually less than $100.
   • Save about $200 to cover this or any unexpected expenses. Check with the court for exact fees.
7. Safety After Leaving
   • Keep your new address secret and change your phone number.
   • If you can and feel safe, consider learning to use a firearm for protection (only where legal).
   • If the abuser violates the order or comes near you, call 911 immediately.
8. Seek Support
   • Reach out to local agencies, shelters, and trusted friends or family for help and guidance.
   • Remember, you deserve a life free from fear, filled with respect and love.

This checklist is meant to help you take the right steps to protect yourself and your children. Stay strong and know support is available.

 

[Branch]

A wonderful idea. I know many are looking for hope or even someone to talk to that they can trust. I hope a lot are helped here.

Dear There Rosea Lamb, thank you for your support. I want to give you this Psalm 147:3 (KJV)
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."God bless you, there Rosea lamb. In Jesus Christ, Branch

 

[shittim]

Branch- do you have a ton of unresolved energy on this?
His Own live in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control, Galatians c5-v22&23.
Obsession isn't from above.
best wishes

 

[Branch]

Branch- do you have a ton of unresolved energy on this?
His Own live in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control, Galatians c5-v22&23.
Obsession isn't from above.
best wishes

Dear sir, "Thank you for sharing scripture, but I need to be clear that your behavior toward me is hurting and not in line with the love and respect God calls us to show one another. Using faith to justify abuse is wrong and not from God. I deserve to be treated with kindness and dignity, and I ask you to stop the harmful behavior. I hope we can find a way forward rooted in genuine love and peace." Sincerely ,Branch.

 

[Carlyw]

@Branch why are you doing this? I see Shittim is criticizing you, I would like to know your intent so that we can better understand your motives here. Do you have a back story? Or perhaps some reasoning?

I think this thread can be very helpful and beneficial to those in need. It can also give survivors/people who have left abusive situations a place to share and voice concerns.

But why did you start it? What motivated you? Help us understand you better so that we may not judge based off of our own ideas, but rather ones you have given us.

 

[Branch]

@Branch why are you doing this? I see Shittim is criticizing you, I would like to know your intent so that we can better understand your motives here. Do you have a back story? Or perhaps some reasoning?

I think this thread can be very helpful and beneficial to those in need. It can also give survivors/people who have left abusive situations a place to share and voice concerns.

But why did you start it? What motivated you? Help us understand you better so that we may not judge based off of our own ideas, but rather ones you have given us.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.