Catch-Up Reacts RELATIONSHIP Breaking Free from Abusive Relationship Recognize the abuse: Acknowledge that the relationship is abusive. This might involve understanding the different forms of abuse— physical, emotional, verbal, financial, and/or sexual —and recognizing that none of it is acceptable or your fault. 2. Reach out for support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or professionals about what you're going through. They can offer emotional support, help you see the situation more clearly, and provide practical assistance in getting out safely. 3. Create a safety plan: Plan how you will leave the relationship safely. This might involve finding a safe place to stay, packing important items discreetly, and identifying a trusted person or organization to contact for help. 4. Seek professional help: Consider reaching out to a therapist, counselor, or support group specialized in helping survivors of abuse. They can offer guidance, validation, and resources to help you heal and rebuild your life. 5. Gather evidence: If you're comfortable and it's safe to do so, gather evidence of the abuse, such as photographs, texts, or recordings. This may be useful if you need to involve law enforcement or legal authorities. 6. Set boundaries: Once you've left the relationship, establish clear boundaries with your abuser to protect yourself from further harm. This might involve blocking their contact, obtaining a restraining order, or limiting communication through a third party. 7. Focus on self-care: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being as you heal from the trauma of abuse. This might involve practicing self-care activities, engaging in hobbies you enjoy, and prioritizing your needs and boundaries. 8. Stay connected: Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and empower you. Building a strong support network can provide you with the encouragement and strength you need to move forward. ACTIVITY Answer the following questions. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. 1. What are some warning signs that a relationship may be abusive? _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ 2. Why do you think survivors of abuse often struggle to leave their abusers? _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ 3. What are some practical steps someone can take to break free from an abusive relationship safely? _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ 4. How can friends and family members support someone who is trying to leave an abusive relationship? _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ 5. What are some self-care practices _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ 5. What are some self-care practices that can help survivors heal and rebuild their lives after leaving an abusive relationship? _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________
Breakup: How to Survive Any Breakup and Get Back in the Game (A Guide to Healing From Emotional and Narcissistic Abuse, Setting Boundaries With a Toxic Ex)