Things to keep in mind when thinking about breaking up:

• Being scared of feeling lonely after the break-up is normal; your partner has probably become a huge part of your life. Try talking to friends and trying new activities to help you through.
• You will probably miss your partner. Even if they’ve been abusive or hurtful to you, it’s normal to miss them. Try writing a list of the reasons you left the relationship, and use this as a reminder when you start to feel this way.
• You might be really scared for your safety to end the relationship, take this fear seriously. Ending a relationship with an abusive person is not the same as ending a healthy relationship.

Tips on ‘How to’ break up:

• Don’t break up in person or alone if you are fearful of your safety-consider doing it in a public place. This may seem cruel, but prioritize your physical safety
• Don’t explain your reasons for ending the relationship more than once, there is nothing you can say that will make them feel better about the break-up
• Let your parents and friends know that you are ending the relationship, especially if you think your ex will come to your house or attempt to get you alone
• Don’t be alone with your ex after a break-up
• Ask for help. Call our 24-Hour Crisis Line if you need to talk (530)244-0117

Use these tips to stay safe:

Just because the relationship is over doesn’t mean the violence is over

• Talk with your friends about what you’re going through
• If you can, tell your parents what’s going on
• Talk to a school counselor or teacher you trust. You might need to have your class schedule changed or alert school security
• Avoid isolated areas at school and local hangouts. Don’t walk home alone
• Stick with your friends at parties and events where your ex might attend
• Set your social networking profiles to ‘private’, and ask your friends to do the same.
• Save any threatening or harassing messages or texts your ex sends