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For many survivors, separation is not the end of abuse but the beginning of a new form of control.

Research shows leaving is often the most dangerous time for victims to leave an abusive relationship.

Loved ones can offer support during this critical time.

One of the most common questions people ask survivors of abusive relationships is some version of: Why didn’t you just leave? I remember when I went through my own situation, I heard countless questions like, "What took you so long to leave?" Questions that failed to understand the reality of my experience. I have many clients who have had this same experience.

For someone who has never experienced an abusive relationship, leaving can seem like the obvious solution. If someone is controlling you, threatening you, monitoring you, or hurting you, you get away from them. Once you leave, the relationship is over, and therefore the abuse should be over too.

Except abuse does not necessarily work that........

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