Marriage to an abusive spouse can rob you of autonomy and self-guidance. When you acknowledge that divorce is your only option to protect your future, reality may feel uncertain and scary.
If you feel unsure of how your partner will react to news of a split, you might actively seek a safety plan. Understanding the importance of pre-divorce planning may give you an incentive to take the next steps.
Protect your well-being
Knowing that your spouse has violent tendencies or has possibly tried hurting you in the past can make divorce a very scary thing. Pre-divorce planning will improve your protection and help you identify solutions to keep yourself safe. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, their website provides a secure place for you to enter information, guided by prompts, to develop a safety plan. You can do this alone or with the help of a trusted friend or family member. Once complete, you can print your plan and store it in a safe place or with someone you trust. Your information will not remain on the website out of an abundance of caution for your well-being.
Safeguard your future
Pre-divorce planning may involve several factors including the following:
- Finding lodging
- Protecting finances
- Securing transportation
- Taking inventory of your assets
While you plan for a divorce, use caution on your social media accounts. Refrain from saying anything at all about your situation which could unintentionally alert your spouse to your plans.
Your careful planning might improve your chances of a positive outcome when you act and file your paperwork. If at any point you encounter an emergency or feel threatened, immediately call 911.
