There are several legal actions one can take in an abusive relationship, including restraining orders and protection orders. Restraining orders prohibit contact between individuals while protection orders require the abuser to refrain from contacting the victim directly or indirectly. Obtaining these orders requires documentation of past abuse incidents through affidavits and court appearances. If experiencing abuse, one should talk to a trusted adult and contact law enforcement if in danger. After leaving an abusive relationship, one may experience grief, anger, feelings of failure, loneliness, and temptation to reconcile as they adjust to their new situation. It is important to take care of oneself physically and emotionally during this difficult transition period.

1. Relationship Abuse Facts by Megan and Amanda

2. Legality Issues When relationship abuse hits an all time high, there are multiple legal procedures that one may embark in to obtain safety. Restraining Order-Restraining orders are issued by a judge and are intended to protect those who fear for their own safety. A restraining order prohibits an individual from an action that is likely to cause harm; usually, a restraining order prevents any contact or communication between two or more people

3. Next level of protection Protection Order- A protective order requires one or more individuals over the age of 18 to refrain from directly or indirectly contacting the petitioner and from threatening, abusing or harassing any member of the petitioner's household In most cases there are restrictions on distance between the victim and the abuser; there are generally other restrictions such as no third-party contact, no virtual converation; e-mail, text messaging, telephone calls, etc.

4. Paperwork? While pursuing a protection order of any kind, there will be multiple steps in the process of getting it enacted Make sure that there is proof, or documentation of the abuse, or at least, a clear remembrance of when the abuse occurred, how it was performed, and the situation in which the abuse occured

5. Paperwork (cont.) Next you will be asked to fill out an affidavit which is basically a written testimony of events that chronologically happened from past to most recent. You will then appear in court, most likely more then once, for a follow up on the case.

6. Who to tell? First, and for most, if there are signs of abuse, one should talk to a guardian, adult, school counselor or another trusted adult Secondly, if the abuse is persistent, contact law enforcement if there are immediate threats of danger Lastly, take any necessary steps to ensure safety of not only oneself, but the ones that are surrounded to that person as well

7. How to cope with the aftermath of abuse Let yourself feel your emotions. Take time out for you. Eat small, nutritious meals regularly, rest when you can, even if you cannot sleep, and exercise to release tension. Do things to regain a feeling of control in your new environment. Ex: control where you go and who you are with. Use community resources for support: (support groups, single parent support services, free community counseling services, recreation centers, educational resources. Holidays and special occasions such as anniversaries can be especially hard times. It is important to establish new customs.

8. After getting out of an abusive relationship one will pass through different stages of emotions: GriefGrief is a large part of the process of letting go of a relationship. You may not understand why you are sad, especially if you were badly abused. There were probably some good things that you will miss. Physical symptoms: sleep disturbances, nausea, changes in heart rate, weight gain or loss. Psychological symptoms: sadness, hopelessness, edginess, being easily irritated, crying, poor concentration, great difficulty making decisions, and poor memory Euphoria: can help give you energy to get yourself on your feet again. Don't be surprised, if a month or a year later, you feel grief or anger or depression. This is normal and part of the process of change or separation. AngerAnger can give you power and motivation. The goal of letting yourself feel anger is to express it constructively so that you become free of it. Do not turn it on those around you and don't use it for revenge.

9. Stages Continued… Feelings of Failure LonelinessYour friends may change over time, as well as your interests and concerns. Family blood is often thicker than you want to believe. It may take you a while to trust, or to have energy for anyone else. Temptation to Reconcile New RelationshipsNew relationships may trigger memories of your old relationship. Be sure you feel strong enough to live independently before you make the choice of having a relationship again.