Suggestions To Leave Abuse?

Diane wrote as a comment: Now my husband doesn't drink but does all the other stuff! I am planning on leaving after Christmas but am afraid I wont have a place to live with my girls. I am looking at housing/apartments but my wages are low even though I have a college degree. Any advice would help so much.

Diane, you are not alone in your fear. It is important to financially survive after leaving an abusive situation; you may need to make some temporary material sacrifices for your sanity.

Every good decision is part factual underpinning and part hope. The "hope" part can become fact-based with a little research.

Contact State Resources

Call child protective services and find out what is required to provide a safe place for you and your children. You could take the opportunity to downsize your expenditures and stay within the confines of law versus what you now desire for your family. Maybe the kids can double up in a bedroom. Maybe your computer room can become a computer corner. Trust me, your children don't care as much about living as they're accustomed as much as they care about being with you.

After talking to child protective services, ask to transfer to domestic violence services. You may need an appointment for an initial consultation, but once you've done that, the program could open up possibilities to you to which you're currently unaware. Maybe there's a way get on a reduced-income housing list before you actually have a reduced income. Maybe there's a job placement service designed for abused people. You won't know unless you ask.

Look into food stamps. I know many people don't want to take advantage of these programs, but you may be the perfect candidate for them. Initially, the assistance programs were designed to help people who were helping themselves, and you definitely fit that category.

Search For A New Job and Increase Your Chances of New Employment

Everyone knows the job market is tight. However, as an abused person, you are probably undervaluing your education and experience. Begin looking for a new job, one that pays better wages or offers benefits. You never know - something may open up at an opportune time. Tell everyone you know you're looking...build a network. Consider doing what you do on your own. Are you interested in building a business off of your professional experience?

Also, check out the small business association in your area. Here in Fayetteville it was housed at the same location as the "displaced homemaker" service - point being, you may be surprised where you find it. Through the SBA or a similar program, you could sign up for classes that will help you rewrite and focus your resume and hone your job search skills. Maybe there are free classes at the community college along this line. One of the great benefits of taking part in a program like this is that you'll meet a new network. People, new people, are key to finding opportunity and opening doors you didn't see a second before.

Remember Spousal Support and Child Support

Remember that at some point your ex will be kicking in for child support or post-separation support or both. Alimony/Post-Separation support may be dubious in your situation since you're already gainfully employed, but you won't know until you take a step in that direction. Don't count on it, but ask for it anyway.

Also, before you go, know how much equity or debt you'll be splitting with your ex. Maybe, since he's staying in the house and you're leaving, there will be some equity there that he'll have to share with you. Or maybe you've got so much debt that the debt will be split.

Be Honest With Yourself About Your Financial Situation

Keep in mind that your divorce will cost you money, too. Maybe he won't put up much of a fight and much of your divorce could be handled via attorneys instead of in the courtroom. However, if you don't feel strong enough to negotiate with him, then the money spent on the attorney is well worth it.

There are a series of hurdles left to overcome. You can do this if you keep your eyes and mind open.

Be honest with yourself about what you're facing and open up to unknown possibilities. You're not in this alone although it sometimes feels you're the only person on the planet making this leap. Please, after talking to the domestic violence counselor, go to the group(s) offered to you. While there may be no one in the group who can offer you a job or hand you a fist full of cash, you will find real people who have made the changes you seek. Their experience is invaluable and will help channel you into the right places and offer peace of mind.

Education Erases Excuses, Finds Solutions

Use this time before Christmas to educate yourself about your options. Don't let the cost of rent in the places you've checked deter you. My boss says, "An excuse is the thin skin of a reason stuffed with a lie." Beware of excuses and fear - they are your worst enemy right now. Instead, face the truth, the reasons to leave and decide there is no excuse that will hold you back.

Now, everyone else whose faced this issue, please offer your advice and comments below.