1. Select a discrete app icon.






notes
It’s a cruel irony: The most dangerous time for a survivor of domestic violence is the moment when he or she decides to leave their abusive partner. At the moment when a batterer realizes they’re losing control over the victim, they often take drastic, and sometimes deadly steps to regain it.
Having a safety plan in place is vitally important to ensuring a survivor’s safe escape from an abuser’s control. Even if an abuser has primarily used non-physical forms of abuse before—mental, emotional or verbal abuse—it’s important a survivor doesn’t underestimate what could happen when he or she decides to leave.
After deciding when to go, the next question is where to go. Options may include a nearby shelter or a shelter in another city or state; a friend or family member’s house; or, starting over in a new house or apartment. Below, some important questions to ask if you’re the survivor contemplating leaving:
Sometimes, says Glenn, the safest option is going nowhere at all. “It may seem illogical to those of us observing what’s happening to the survivor, but sometimes, the safest place is exactly where she [or he] is right now.” That’s not to say one should stay indefinitely, either. “Victims continue an ongoing assessment of their safety,” says Glenn, and leave when they feel they have a safe plan in place.
Also check out "Important Questions to Ask a Shelter," for things you can ask a shelter before deciding to go. If you believe escaping to a different city or state would be safer, read "Flying the Survivor Skies," about a nonprofit that will fly survivors to a new location, free of charge.
Looking for someone to speak with? Enter your location to find phone numbers for domestic violence experts in your area.
Have a question about domestic violence? Type your question below to find answers.
Welcome, this is your discreet connection to help.
You are safe here.
Menstruation is an experience shared by
generations of women across the globe.
Sadly, abuse is another commonly shared experience between women.
Be it physical or psychological, abuse is not OK in any form.
Period.
You are not alone.
Help is just a few clicks away.
Welcome to DomesticShelters.org, a trusted Bright Sky US partner. On DomesticShelters.org, you will find free domestic violence resources such as:
The Bright Sky US website is still open on your browser in a separate tab, so you can return to the Bright Sky US website anytime.