Domestic Violence Survivors -
Braving Abuse

People who successfully overcome domestic violence are "domestic violence survivors," as are those who escape an abusive relationship or go away from an abusive partner to start a new life. Surviving domestic violence means leaving behind the emotional, physical, and/or verbal abuse of your partner, or a member of your family, and start an independent life.

You must commit yourself to moving on to an improved life.

Not all victims of domestic violence are lucky enough to become survivors. Only those victims who come out of their domestic abuse situation and start a new life are survivors. Coming out of domestic abuse is not an easy task!

Victims of domestic abuse generally go through stages of depression and psychological dependency. They lose the willpower to come out of the abuse.

These stages of depression and psychological dependency arise due to constant abuse on the part of the perpetrator of domestic violence. As a result, the victim often fails to take any assertive actions.

Since the victim is going through a severe phase of their life, they need moral, financial and emotional support. The help and support restore their confidence and will-power and help rehabilitate them.

Domestic violence survivors deserve support from all segments of the society. As a domestic violence survivor, you need support to overcome the feelings of lost hope and helplessness. You need counseling to rebuild your self-esteem, personal strength,learn how to set proper boundaries, and how to live independantly.

Some domestic violence survivors get threats to their lives. In that case, you need to inform the police of all the facts related to your domestic abuse. Based on your statement, the police will hopefully take the measures necessary to protect you, and take appropriate action against the abuser.

You can seek shelter and support from your local domestic violence organizations. They will provide you and your children a safe haven. Most of these organizations also provide legal, counseling, and job placement support services for domestic violence survivors.

For legal help, these same organizations can refer you to a lawyer. For issues involving your safety, custody of your children, and settling financial issues you must seek legal help. If you cannot afford legal help, the state will provide you with some assistance.

If you feel there is a threat to your life from the abuser, you might prefer not to stay with your family or friends because the abuser might search for you at there. However, you can always seek emotional support from your family and friends.

Reading good books and stories about domestic violence survivors like Escaping the Shadows by Lisa J. Peck can help you develop confidence and will-power to come out of an abusive relationship.