Exes are never easy to deal with, but it can be a particularly tough situation if your ex was abusive in the past. Staying safe is hard to do when you’re dealing with someone who knows you inside and out. It’s necessary though if you want to live a normal and happy life again. In the face of danger, there are some steps to take to keep yourself protected from harm. Here are a few tips to help you ward off an abusive ex from the past.
Get a bigger, stronger boyfriend
This may seem like a silly thing to do, but if you can have a boyfriend that is bigger and stronger than your ex, he can act as a bodyguard at all times. This is like having a built in protection system. Of course, you can’t help who you fall for and you could end up with a scrawny wimp, but if you get a shot at a big man, take it. He will be able to shield you well in the face of harm.
Move to another location
Even though you might not want to relocate, it is one good way to get out of the abuser’s proximity. If he is the type of person that would come banging at your door at night, relocating that door will decrease the chances of the banging. You don’t have to move across the country or anything, but putting a decent commute time between the two of you should do some good. The longer he has to travel, the less likely he is to come and see you.
Block him from contacting you
Turn off all technology with your ex. That means block his number, his email, his social network accounts – block him entirely. If you have a child together, keep one line of communication going, but make it insignificant and easy to turn off if need be. Perhaps you could buy a prepaid phone and have that as the contact so that you can toss it at any time. Just keep communication to a minimum.
Get a restraining order
This can be done through your local police department. A restraining order will allow you to set a certain distance that your ex cannot come near you in. It will also allow you to cut off communication with your ex. If the abuser fails to abide by that, there are several legal repercussions that can ensue. A restraining order gives you a legal say in what happens between you and your ex.
If he does get close to you…
Call the cops immediately. You have a right to be protected, and if you feel threatened at any time, do not hesitate to contact the police. They will be able to give you all the security that you need so that you do not feel threatened by the other person. You have no reason to live in fear.
Add your reply to AskMyGF