Leaving Your Abuser is Possible

If you are in an abusive relationship and are looking for a way out, don’t let fear freeze you into place. While it may be difficult, it is indeed possible to obtain freedom from abuse and start your new life without the pain and fear that constantly hovers over you. There are resources available, one of which is the Law Office of Julia Kefalinos, where legal advocacy for survivors of domestic violence is a central tenant of our work.

Before You File

As you gear up to leave your abusive partner, be sure to keep your plans to yourself. It may not be safe to alert your abuser or anyone who might take your abuser’s side in this. Instead contact a domestic violence counselor or attorney or call a hotline so you can get assistance from someone who is trained to help. This way you can talk to someone who will believe you and who can help you map out an escape route that is safe. They will advise you on many fronts, including on how to:

• Design a safety plan with steps that lead to your escape. That might include assembling important documents like your passport and social security card, as well as records for your children such as school records and birth certificates. Other helpful items will include banking information, insurance documents, and papers related to your mortgage or lease.
• Remove all guns from the house. Either surrender them to the police or give them to someone you trust. It could be the decision that saves your life.
• Find a way to safely document your situation. Evidence such as photographs, recordings, screenshots of threats, medical documentation, police reports, and testimony from witnesses can all help to demonstrate your need for a protective order.
• Find a safe place to store your evidence. Emailing it to your domestic violence attorney or a trusted family member and then destroying your own records may be advisable.
• Get your hands on half of the money in your shared accounts if at all possible. Otherwise, do everything possible to covertly save money. That could include quietly selling items, secretly earning money by babysitting, mowing lawns, or something else,or even selling plasma at a certified donation locale. Think about what you can do to quietly amass cash.
• Have an idea of where you will go and who will support you.

The Escape

When the time comes to make the break, you can rely on the Miami domestic violence attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos to ensure legal protections are in order and your safety is prioritized. Whether you go into hiding temporarily or stay in your home with enhanced security, you have the opportunity to move forward without your abuser controlling you. To discuss, find a safe way to contact our Miami office today.