How To Leave an Abusive Relationship with No Money
It can be difficult to get out of an abusive relationship if you don't have money.You may have been told that you will never get by on your own in order to maintain control.Don't let them keep you down!You are capable of overcoming the obstacles, and you deserve more.You have a support system, and there are plenty of helpful resources at your disposal.
Step 1: You can call for emergency services.
If you have been threatened with violence, get help immediately.Until the police arrive, get to a locked room.When they arrive, describe the situation and ask for the officer who responded.An incident report will be filed by the officer who responded.You can get a copy at the police station.If you are hurt, you should go to the doctor or emergency room.You can file for a protective order, break a lease, and prove your abuser's guilt with the help of photographs and medical and police reports.
Step 2: If you want advice about leaving, call a domestic violence hotline.
The domestic abuse advocate will ask if you are safe to talk to.They will ask about your situation and answer any questions you have.If you have specific concerns about money, they will give you tips on hiding money and identify local resources for domestic abuse survivors.You can call if you live in the US.You can find an international directory at http://www.hotpeachpages.net/a/countries.
Step 3: There is a shelter for survivors of domestic abuse.
You can get in touch with a shelter if you call a hotline.You could use the internet to find one.Staying in a shelter can help you find your footing and get you out of danger.If you are worried that your abuser will check your phone and internet histories, you can remove hotline and shelter numbers, websites, and searches from your call log.
Step 4: Discuss a safety plan with your family.
Before you leave your abusive partner, reach out to your support system.Ask for help from your friends and relatives.Stay with a loved one and ask for help with other essentials.Try not to worry about asking for help.It is difficult for one person to leave an abusive relationship.You are not alone if you seek the support of your loved ones or a non-profit organization.You can still stay at a shelter if you don't live near your friends or family.They can put you in touch with job placement programs and other resources if you develop a safety plan.
Step 5: If you're worried about your safety, you should get a restraining order.
If you want to file a restraining order, you should visit your local courthouse.They will give you instructions on filling out the forms and you will have a court hearing to finalize the order.Ask a friend or relative to accompany you to the courthouse for moral support.You don't need a lawyer to file a restraining order.Photographs, police or medical reports of abuse should be brought to the hearing.
Step 6: After leaving an abusive situation, seek counseling.
Leaving the relationship and dealing with abuse are traumatic events.A counselor or therapist can help you deal with your experience.There is a support group for survivors of abuse.It's comforting to know that you're not the only one.
Step 7: Inquire about housing assistance and other programs at the shelter.
State and federal government resources can be used to find affordable housing.You may be able to get help buying groceries, clothing, and other necessities.Discuss your options with a domestic violence shelter or advocacy organization.A shelter or advocacy organization can walk you through the process of applying for assistance.Do your best to get vital documents before you leave, such as your ID or driver's license.You will need these when you apply for public assistance.
Step 8: There are free educational resources for survivors of abuse.
Managing finances can seem overwhelming, but try not to worry.Financial literacy classes for survivors of abuse are offered by many domestic violence advocacy groups.Local workshops, classes, and online courses in personal finance can be found on the internet.Abusers use money as a means of control, and you might not have much experience with budgeting, paying bills, or building credit.There are lots of educational resources at your disposal since this is a common issue for survivors of abuse.You can get a free financial empowerment course for people leaving an abusive relationship.
Step 9: You can get career planning assistance from a shelter.
Job placement services for survivors are offered by many shelters and advocacy organizations.Career advisers can help you find a job.Your family and friends can help you get a job.It might be difficult to get a job if you haven't worked in a while.Try to take things one step at a time, and keep a positive mindset.If you have held any jobs in the past, make a list of your skills.Ask your family and friends if they know of any leads you can find on the internet.An income is an important step towards financial independence, so be open to any and all opportunities.Meeting your needs in the present is more important than the first job you land.Getting back on your feet is the priority right now and you will have more options in the future.
Step 10: Grants help survivors get back on their feet.
Grants are designed to cover costs such as rent, tuition, a new vehicle, food, utilities, and hygiene products.Financial information, an overview of expenses, and a description of your situation are some of the things that are included in application processes.Break the Silence's Grants for Hope program is one of the grant programs to look into.Modest needs can be found at www.modestneeds.org.The Women's Independence Scholarship Program is for women.
Step 11: You can gain independence if you remind yourself.
You may have been told that you will never get a job or be able to handle your finances.Don't let them take away your confidence.Be aware that you are smart, worthy, and talented.Being without money is frightening and one of the top reasons victims of abuse remain in abusive situations.You are not alone and your safety is important.There are a lot of resources that can help you leave your support system.
Step 12: It is possible to hide a cash reserve with a loved one.
If your partner gives you money, try to keep it in a safe place.Without their knowledge, do your best to save as much as you can.You can keep your reserve at a loved one's home or in a safe deposit box that your abusers can't access.If you get $100 to go food shopping, set aside $10 for your reserve.If they don't give you cash, you can get small amounts of cash back.
Step 13: If you have to break a lease, document abuse.
Rent, photographs, incident reports, and other evidence can help you avoid the severe financial penalties of breaking a lease.You might have to give 30 days notice, but you can break a lease if your safety is in danger.Check your state's housing laws related to domestic violence at www.womenslaw.org.Discuss the situation with your landlord.They will probably be eager to prevent violence and damage to their property.
Step 14: You should have your own bank and credit accounts.
If your abusive partner can't access your accounts, open them in your name.Send statements to a loved one's address or a secure email account.Change any insurance or retirement accounts that list the abuser as a beneficiary.Changes to joint held accounts might need to be made by both you and your partner.A domestic violence advocacy group or shelter can refer you to a lawyer.
Step 15: A household budget is created.
Rent, electricity, and water are some of the essential home and utility expenses.Add your phone bill, car payments, insurance, gas, and groceries.If you want to cut out anything that isn't essential, identify any other bills.You should compare your expenses with your income.If you are still looking for a job, your budget will give you an idea of how much you need to survive.You might be wondering how you can make it work when you see all of your expenses at once.You can do it!Staying at a shelter or with a loved one can reduce your expenses until you find gainful employment.
Step 16: If necessary, ask a loved one to co-sign a lease for you.
It's difficult to get a place to rent if you don't have credit.If a trusted friend or relative is willing to co-sign a lease, you should look into it.It's possible to cut your living expenses by having a roommate.If you can't pay rent, your loved one's finances will be at stake.
Step 17: Slowly rebuild your credit.
Half of survivors say dealing with bad or no credit is their biggest financial hurdle after leaving an abusive relationship.It is doable, but it takes time.Pay your rent on time, automate your bill payments, and open a secured credit card.A deposit of $200 to 300 is required for secured credit cards.They are similar to a credit card but lower the risk for the bank.You need to make purchases that you can afford to pay off by the due date.If you have credit accounts, keep them active.If you have $2,500 in debt, cancel a card with a $10,000 limit, and your available credit to debt ratio goes from $15,000 to $5,000, your credit score will take a major hit.Ask a reliable friend or relative with good credit to authorize you to use their credit card.Being an authorized user on their account can build your credit.If you are in debt, pay the minimum balance on your accounts, and add any extra money you can spare to the one with the smallest balance.Once that is paid off, pay the minimum balance on the other ones.Continue until you have paid all of your accounts.