If you are in a relationship and your partner hits you, it can be a very frightening and confusing time. You may not know how you should react or where to turn for help. Domestic violence is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly by anyone. Discussing some steps you can take if your partner hits you can help to provide some clarity and guidance in what can be a very difficult situation.

Step 1: Acknowledge That What Is Happening Is Not Normal or Acceptable

The first step to take if your partner hits you is to acknowledge that what has happened is not normal or acceptable behavior. It can be easy and a very common practice to convince yourself that the violence is your fault or that you deserve it. Many victims of domestic violence blame themselves for the abuse as a way of coping with the situation. No one deserves to be hit, no matter what.

Domestic violence often happens due to the abuser feeling a need to exert power and control over their victim to feel better about themselves. This twisted logic is not something that you can reason with or change. It is important to realize that the only person who can change the situation is the abuser.

Step 2: Talk to Someone Who Can Help

The next step is to chat with someone who can help. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or domestic violence hotline. Talking about what is happening can be very difficult, but it can also be very helpful. For example, a therapist can help you to deal with the emotional trauma that you are experiencing. A domestic violence hotline can provide information about your area’s options and resources. A friend or family member can provide you with support and a listening ear. Putting your experience into words can help you to make sense of what is happening and can also help you to develop a plan for what to do next.

Step 3: Create a Safety Plan

If you are in an abusive relationship, it is important to create a safety plan. This may include things like having a safe place to go if things get bad, having a list of people you can call for help, and having money saved up in case you need to leave quickly. You should also keep important documents like your passport and birth certificate in a safe place. Creating a safety plan can help you to feel more prepared and can give you a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic situation.

It’s important to note that you should not resort to creating a safety plan if the abuse is already at a point where the police need to get involved or you need to leave immediately. In these cases, it is best to let the authorities handle things and to focus on your own safety.

Step 4: Protect Your Children

If you have children, it’s of the utmost importance to protect them from violence. This may mean making arrangements for them to stay with a relative or friend if things get bad. Also, talk to them about what is happening and let them know that the violence is not their fault. Children who witness domestic violence can be seriously affected by it. They may develop mental health problems, have difficulty in school, and have trauma in their own relationships later in life. The more you can do to protect them from the violence, the better.

Step 5: Do Not Hit Back Unless for Self-Defense

It can be tempting to hit back when your partner hits you. However, this is not recommended unless it is for self-defense. Hitting back can escalate the violence and can also lead to you being charged with assault. Two wrongs do not make a right, and violence is never the answer. The most significant thing you can do to stop the violence is to refuse to participate in it.

However, there are some cases in which hitting back may be the best option for self-defense. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel like you or your children are in danger, hitting back may be the best way to protect yourself. However, this should only be done as a last resort; make sure to only hit the areas that will stop the attack without causing serious injury, if possible. If you feel like your life is in danger, do what you can to protect yourself and then get out of the situation as soon as you’re able.

Step 6: Collect Any Evidence You Can

If you are considering taking the brave step to leave an abusive relationship, it is important to collect any evidence you can. This may include things like pictures of injuries, copies of text messages or emails, and recordings of phone calls. This evidence can be very helpful if you decide to press charges against your abuser. It can also be helpful in getting a restraining order. If you can, it is best to keep this evidence in a safe place outside of the home. Sometimes an abuser can find and destroy this type of evidence and retaliate, so it is important to have it in a safe and secure location where they cannot get to it.

Step 7: Hire a Colombia Domestic Violence Attorney

If you are in an abusive relationship and want to get out, it is important to hire a Columbia domestic violence lawyer. A lawyer can help you to understand your legal rights and can assist you in filing a restraining order. They can also help you to gather evidence and to prepare for court. If you are in a situation where you need to leave quickly, a lawyer can help you to do so safely. From there, they can help you to file for divorce, get custody of your children, divide your assets, and protect your rights to ensure that you are safe, and the violence stops.