The period after leaving an abusive partner is the most dangerous time of the relationship
Safety should be of utmost concern during this time.
At this point, an abusive partner may go to great lengths to reestablish power and control over you. Violence or the threat of violence is a frequent tactic used to keep a survivor in the relationship.
Screen Your Calls
You may want to consider getting a second line or cell phone if your partner repeatedly calls you.
You can leave your first line connected to voicemail in order to record calls from your partner. You can then notify friends and family about your second number so that you can receive calls just from the people you need to hear from. If you have roommates, ask them if they would be willing to screen all calls for you.
Save and document all communication from your partner,
including voicemail, text messages, e-mail, letters, etc. While you may not want to press charges now, saving evidence can be useful to you later if you change your mind.
Vary your daily routine
If possible, try changing the time in which you go into school or work and change the route you usually take to get there.
- If you take the bus, be aware of who is at the bus stop when you are getting on or off the bus. If your partner knows the bus you use, consider alternative options like taking a different route, catching the bus at a different stop or asking a friend to pick you up.
- If you drive, try parking in a different location than you normally do. Ask someone to ride in with you and have someone walk you back to your car when you are ready to leave school or work.
