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Domestic violence is no joke. Nationwide and around the world, an untold number of people face abuse at the hands of their romantic partners who are supposed to love them.

Many people in these situations want to leave, but also face certain barriers, such as limited to no finances. Domestic violence perpetrators likewise have a tendency to intentionally implement barriers that make it as challenging as possible for their victims to escape.

Abusers ultimately thrive on power and the control they have over those they're consistently mistreating. It's for this very reason that once someone prepares to leave a domestic violence situation, they are especially at risk.

While one way of lessening the danger involved is for the victim to not let their abuser know they're planning to escape, external support from loved ones goes a long way towards helping people break free from abuse.

Combatting isolation imposed by abusers

Domestic violence perpetrators know exactly what they're doing when they harm their partners. One key tactic employed by these individuals includes isolating the victim of domestic violence from their relatives, friends, and other loved ones.

Hence, one significant way of helping a domestic violence victim is to let them know you're there for them. Even if this person has pulled away, previously defended their relationship, or otherwise angered you, letting someone in this situation know you have their back is so important.

People who engage in domestic violence often tell their victims that no one else will love them, believe what they say, or want to have anything to do with them. When someone internalizes these lies, their likelihood of remaining in an abusive situation drastically increases.

Throwing out a necessary lifeline

Many people who suffer from abuse at the hands of their partners do want a way out. Though fears of destitution after leaving a domestic violence situation persist, as victims are often completely financially dependent on their abusers.

As such, the loved ones of someone in this situation must throw them a necessary lifeline, should they seek an out from their abuser.

Doing this means informing a victim of domestic violence that they can stay with you or in another safe place after leaving their abuser. Escapees of these situations require help and support, sometimes for quite a while.

Without combatting isolation, extending a helping hand, and throwing out that necessary lifeline, a victim of domestic violence may feel as though they have no other choice but to remain in an abusive situation.