Should I Stay or Should I Go? Part IV

How to recognize unhealthy relationships and get out
By Karin S. Ryan, Psy.D. & Heather B. Trangsrud, Ph.D.

Why it's Hard to Leave...

• Abuse may slowly escalate so may not recognize it as abuse at first.
• Intimidation or threats (e.g., will hurt family).
• Lack of social support.
• Lack of finances or employment.
• Lack of housing.
• Guilt and shame.
• Mistrust of system.
• Fear.
• Stalking or increased abuse.

Preparing to Leave...

Get professional support.

• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Women's Center
• SafeZone ally

Get support from trusted co-workers, family, or friends.

Develop a safety plan.

Document the abuse

• Copies of abusive emails/texts
• Save harassing voicemails
• Take pictures of bruises/marks
• Written statements from witnesses
• Report abuse to the police and press charges

How to Get Out

Go to a shelter or emergency room.

• Manhattan Emergency Shelter – 537-3113
• Women's Crisis Shelter – 539-2785

KS Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence

• 1-888-END-ABUSE
• http://www.kcsdv.org/

Crisis Center, Inc.

• Manhattan – 539-2785
• Junction City – 762-8835
• http://thecrisiscenterinc.org/

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