A brief rundown of important strategy and safety points if you are in an abusive relationship and are preparing to leave.

1. BEST PRACTICES
WHEN LEAVING AN
ABUSIVE
RELATIONSHIP
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If you are in a volatile relationship,
your utmost priority is to get yourself
and your kids to safety. Research
demonstrates that the most
dangerous point occurs when the
battered spouse makes the decision to
finally abandon the relationship.
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If you have time to plan, start
placing cash, clothes, and other
important items, including:
• Your credit cards and
checkbook
• Social security cards
• Birth certificates
• Copies of deeds, leases, and
insurance policies
• Evidence of revenue,
including pay stubs or W-2
records
• Any paperwork or photos that
prove past abuse, for instance
police reports or medical
documents
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In addition to making sure that you’ve
got sleeping arrangements at a hotel,
a shelter, or the home of a friend that
the abuser doesn’t know, make sure
to record every incident of emotional
or physical abuse in you or your
child’s experiences.
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Note the date, time, and exactly what
transpired for each and every
incident, whether it involves you or
your children. It’s also a good to
compose a list of safe people to
contact.
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Memorize the phone numbers of
people or places to call for help. Keep
petty cash and funds with you at all
times.
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Set up a code word with family and friends should you need to
call them for help without attracting the attention of the
abuser. If you must leave promptly.
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If you must get away from your home
quickly, go straight to court for a
protective order that will require the
abuser to stay clear of you. If you have
children, be sure the judge gives you
custody so as to avoid accusations of
kidnapping in the future.
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It could be necessary to hire a
lawyer at this point. Legal assistance
may be provided for individuals who
can’t afford it. Shelters frequently
have staff and means to assist you
to fight domestic violence.
“

10. CONTACT PREMIER
LOS ANGELES DIVORCE ATTORNEY
Should you need our assistance in Los Angeles, Ventura or
Orange County call attorney Charles M. Green at 213 387-
4508 for a consultation appointment at our Los Angeles
Mid Wilshire offices.
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