If domestic violence is affecting your living situation, you cannot allow it to continue. You deserve to feel safe in your home, and if someone is making you feel unsafe or otherwise harming you, that individual needs to be held accountable. It sometimes takes domestic violence victims a length amount of time to come to the conclusion that they need to act, but the moment they do, they need to act with a plan in mind. This plan should emphasize both safety for themselves and justice for their abuser. While it may be emotionally taxing, it’s absolutely necessary.

Make Trusted Individuals Aware of the Situation

Talking about domestic violence is often difficult for victims, particularly when psychological components of the abuse make the victim feel as though they’re responsible for the harmful acts they’ve experienced. If someone you know and trust can help you facilitate a safe exit strategy or act as a witness to the things you’ve experienced, let them know you’re planning to remove yourself from the situation. Let them know in detail what your plans are, where you intend to be, and when you intend to be there. Tell them to contact law enforcement if they don’t hear from you when they expect to.

Come Up With a Safe Exit Strategy

Many domestic violence victims prefer to exit their situation when the individual creating the hostile environment isn’t home. It makes the exit feel safer and smoother. Pick a day to safely get away with your most precious belongings. If you can’t schedule or arrange an opportunity, you may need to privately and discretely call the police to have them remove the abuser from the situation. Even if they can’t due to lack of immediate evidence, they can still be present to assure your safety while you leave.

Notify Law Enforcement

If no one else has contacted law enforcement on your behalf, you’ll need to do it yourself. Your abuser is going to wonder where you went, and if you don’t have law enforcement intervene, this person may attempt to look for you. Act before they have the chance. Law enforcement might want to sit down and discuss specifics with you, and when that happens, be ready to provide them with the answers they need. They can help arrange and emergency order of protection to prevent your abuser from reaching out to you until a legal verdict has been reached.

Prepare Your Evidence

If you have photos or other documentation relating to your domestic violence case, prepare these things for the police. There is no need for you to hire a lawyer if the charges you’re pursuing are strictly criminal. If you would like to move forward with civil charges (such as destruction of property by the person accused of domestic violence), you might want to contact a lawyer. You might be able to find free advice on the internet, but make sure the lawyer you’re researching is versed with the laws that apply to you. Australian states have different laws and limitations than US states or UK countries.

Get the Support You Need

The healing process is important for your continued wellness. The sooner you pursue this process, the better off you’ll be. Finding a counselor or mental health professional immediately may help you maintain composure and begin healing while a criminal case is still being pursued. Since you’ll need to recount your experience often, getting help early is likely the best choice.

Time is of the essence in situations involving domestic violence. When you move to liberate yourself, you’re reclaiming your life, your health, and your freedom. If you or someone you know is living with domestic violence, act immediately.

Lucy Taylor is an avid blogger who enjoys sharing her tips and suggestions with her online readers. Working as a legal expert at LY Lawyers, Lucy often helps people dealing with legal problems, addictions and crime.