What can someone do if they want to leave an abusive relationship? How can someone escape the cycle of violence?
Leaving an abusive or unhealthy relationship is not easy. There are many reasons that people stay in abusive relationships. They can include children, money, emotional attachment, family/religious/peer pressure, immigration status, threats, isolation, denial, pattern of abuse, hope for change, self-blame, guilt, embarrassment, and shame. Because of all these reasons and more, leaving is a process, but just because it is not easy does NOT mean that it cannot be done. Many people successfully leave abusive relationships. We are especially lucky here in San Francisco because there are many resources that support those who want to leave. If you or someone you know wants to leave an abusive relationship but cannot do so right away because of fear for physical safety, creating a safety plan is important. This means putting important papers away somewhere safe where you can get them, knowing a safe place you can go (like a domestic violence shelter or a friend you can trust) when you leave, a
