How can I start healing and moving forward after leaving an abusive marriage?
How to Get Divorce from Abusive Husband
Getting a divorce from an abusive husband is a difficult and emotional decision, but it is sometimes necessary to ensure your safety and well-being. If you are considering getting a divorce from an abusive partner, here are some important steps to take:
Recognize the Signs of Abuse
Abuse can come in many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. It is important to recognize the signs of abuse so that you can take action to protect yourself. Some common signs of abuse include:
- Physical violence
- Verbal abuse
- Controlling behavior
- Isolation from friends and family
- Threats and intimidation
- Financial control
- Sexual coercion
If you are experiencing any of these signs of abuse, it is important to seek help.
Get Help from a Domestic Violence Hotline
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services. You can also get help from a domestic violence hotline, such as:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474
These hotlines can provide you with support and resources to leave an abusive relationship, including legal assistance and counseling.
Consult with an Attorney
An attorney can help you navigate the legal process of getting a divorce from an abusive husband. They can help you file for a restraining order, establish child custody and support, and protect your assets. It is important to find an attorney who has experience with domestic violence cases and who you feel comfortable working with.
Document the Abuse
Keep a record of any incidents of abuse, including the date, time, and location. You can also take photos of any injuries or damage to property. This documentation can be used as evidence in court and can help strengthen your case.
Stay Safe
If you are still living with your abusive husband, it is important to have a safety plan in place. This plan should include:
- Identifying a safe place to go if you need to leave quickly
- Creating a code word or phrase to alert friends, family, or coworkers that you are in danger
- Packing a bag with essential items, such as identification, money, and clothing, and keeping it in a safe place
- Changing your phone number and email address
- Blocking your abusive partner on social media and other forms of communication
- Informing your children’s school or daycare about the situation and who is authorized to pick them up
- Seeking the support of friends and family
Take Care of Yourself
Leaving an abusive relationship can be traumatic and emotionally draining. It is important to take care of yourself during this time by:
- Seeing a therapist or counselor
- Joining a support group
- Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly
- Taking time for yourself to relax and unwind
Remember, getting a divorce from an abusive husband is a difficult but necessary step to ensure your safety and well-being. By taking these steps and seeking help, you can start a new life free from abuse.
Take our Poll: Have you or someone you know been in an abusive relationship?
Take our Quiz: How much do you know about domestic violence?
- What is the most common form of domestic violence?
Share your results:
If you are currently in an abusive marriage and feeling overwhelmed by the traumatic experience, it might be time to consider a divorce. Divorce is not a decision to take lightly, particularly when there are children involved; however, it can be an important step in ending an abusive relationship and starting anew.
The first necessary step in the divorce process is to have a meeting with a family lawyer. A skilled lawyer can explain the necessary legal proceedings and provide guidance on how best to proceed. Depending on the nature of your unique situation, a lawyer will be able to explain any potential short or long term outcomes of the divorce and any legal requirements you may have to meet.
In any divorce involving a physically abusive partner, it is important to think about your safety and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. Consider obtaining an order of protection or restraining order against your partner before filing for divorce. Such an order can help protect you from any further abuse or harassment. If your partner has access to firearms, be sure to inquire about relevant state laws regarding gun possession while divorcing.
If possible, try to secure any valuable personal items, such as financial documents and important family heirlooms, from your partner’s reach. Once a formal decree of divorce is issued, it may be difficult or impossible to access shared funds or assets.
It is also important to be aware of the lasting psychological and emotional effects of an abusive marriage. Seek guidance from a qualified therapist or counselor to help you heal from your past trauma and build strong relationships with your loved ones in the future. Consider joining a support group or a community of other survivors who will be able to provide invaluable comfort and advice.
Divorcing an abusive partner can be an intimidating and difficult process, but it is one of the possible solutions if you are in an unhealthy or dangerous marriage. Armed with the necessary legal and emotional support, any individual can take the necessary steps to safely and effectively end their abusive marriage.