I got out of an abusive relationship two years ago, so I have some semi-recent advice. I knew I wanted to get out of the relationship for quite a while but was scared to do so. I was very concerned about things financially as well my ex hurting or killing me.

The Women's Center and Shelter & the Center for Victims were both super helpful for me to walk through the process. Make sure when your friend leaves the relationship they have a lot of support -- the scariest time for me was when I ended the relationship. Having friends and family around and staying at my house the first few days really helped. I ended up having to get a PFA to protect myself from being harmed by my ex. That was enough to keep my ex from contacting me, but in the end it's a piece of paper and if your friend's abuser doesn't care about being arrested it won't help. The PFA, blocking my ex and their friends/relatives from all of my social media, getting a home security system, and changing my phone number all helped me to feel safer.

That first year was very scary and rough. After lots of healing and therapy I feel like a new person. I wish I wouldn't have stayed as long as I did.