The start of a new year is a time for fresh beginnings, a time to reflect on your life and set goals for the future. For women in abusive relationships, this reflection can bring the realisation that something has to change. But leaving an abusive relationship is often easier said than done. It’s not just about walking away—it’s about reclaiming your life, your safety, and your peace of mind.
If you’re living in fear, the thought of leaving may feel overwhelming. But 2025 can be your year—the year you decide that you deserve better, the year you step away from fear and take a step toward freedom. And if you have children, you’ll be giving them a childhood of those things, too. You all deserve it, and our team here at Juno will help you get there.
Understanding Abuse: Hard to See When You’re In It
One of the hardest things about abusive relationships is that they can be difficult to recognise when you’re in one. Abuse doesn’t always look like the dramatic portrayals on TV. It can be subtle, creeping into your life bit by bit until it feels normal.
Abusers often manipulate their victims into thinking the abuse is their fault or that things aren’t “that bad.” They might shower you with affection one day and belittle you the next, leaving you confused and doubting your own perceptions.
If you’re questioning whether your relationship is abusive, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Types of Abusive Relationships
Abuse comes in many forms, and recognising the different types can help you identify what you’re experiencing.
1. Physical Abuse
This includes any form of violence, such as hitting, slapping, choking, or restraining. Physical abuse is often the most recognisable form of abuse, but it’s not the only kind.
2. Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse involves manipulation, criticism, and control. Abusers might:
-Insult or belittle you.
-Isolate you from friends and family.
-Use guilt or shame to control your actions
-Threaten they will hurt or kill themselves if you leave
3. Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse goes deeper, affecting your sense of self and reality. Examples include:
-Gaslighting, where the abuser makes you doubt your memory or perception.
-Intimidation or threats to harm you, your children, or your pets.
4. Financial Abuse
In financial abuse, the abuser controls your access to money, making it difficult for you to leave. They might:
-Prevent you from working
–Monitor your spending
-Deny you access to shared bank accounts.
5. Sexual Abuse
This includes any non-consensual sexual activity, coercion, or manipulation. In some cases, abusers use sex as a weapon to exert control or humiliation.
6. Digital Abuse
With the rise of technology, digital abuse has become more common. This includes:
-Monitoring your online activity.
–Sending threatening messages.
–Demanding access to your passwords or social media accounts.
-Threatening to put nude or sexual photos or video of you online.
Help Is Available
You might feel trapped, but you are not alone. There are organisations all around the country like us here in Nottingham dedicated to helping women escape abusive relationships. These organisations could provide:
-Safe spaces where you can stay temporarily.
–Legal advice and support.
–Emotional counselling to help you process your experiences.
-Practical resources, like financial aid or childcare.
Why Leaving Can Be Scary
It’s normal to feel afraid of leaving. Abusers often make their victims believe that they can’t survive on their own or that no one else will help them. When you’ve been controlled for so long, the idea of stepping into the unknown can feel terrifying.
Living in fear can make any change seem impossible. But thousands of women have made that leap—and they’ve found a freedom and peace they never thought was possible. They’ve discovered their strength, rebuilt their lives, and created safe, loving environments for themselves and their children.
You can be one of these women too. Yes, really. If someone else has done this, why not you?
With Juno’s help, you can be free living a happier life.
Steps to Make 2025 Your Year
Taking the first step can feel daunting, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it all at once. Here’s how you can start:
1. Acknowledge the Problem
The first step is recognising that your relationship is abusive. This can be difficult, especially if your abuser has spent years making you doubt yourself. But acknowledging the truth is the first step toward freedom.
2. Reach Out for Help
You don’t have to face this alone. Contact our helpline, a trusted friend, or another support organisation. You can access guidance, resources, and emotional support. Remembering that people want to help you.
3. Make a Safety Plan
Leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous, so it’s important to plan carefully. A safety plan might include:
-Saving emergency money.
–Packing a bag with essential items.
-Identifying a safe place to go.
For what to pack in an emergency bag and ideas on where to hide it, see our blog here.
4. Build Your Support System
Surround yourself with people who care about you and want to help. This might include friends, family, support groups, or professionals.
5. Take One Step at a Time
Leaving can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it all at once. Every small step you take—making a phone call, packing a bag, reaching out for help—is a step towards freedom.
Imagine Your Life Next Year
By this time in 2025, everything could be different. Instead of walking on eggshells, you could be walking with confidence. Instead of living in fear, you could be living in peace.
You’ll have the chance to rebuild your life on your own terms, rediscover who you are, and create a safe, loving environment for yourself and your children.
You Deserve Freedom
Abuse is never your fault. You deserve a life free from fear, control, and violence. Making the decision to leave an abusive relationship is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do—but it’s also one of the most empowering.
Let 2025 be the year you take that step. Reach out for help, make a plan, and believe in your strength.
A brighter, safer future is waiting for you.
Juno Help
If you’re ready to start this journey, reach out to us here at Juno. Our friendly team of women are waiting to help you. You are not alone, and you don’t have to do this by yourself. Freedom and peace are within your reach.
Calls to the helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.
Helpline: 0808 800 0340
Sometimes our helpline is busy and you might not get through the first time, so please try again. We will always call you back if you leave a message stating it is safe to do so and if you leave us a safe contact number in your message.
If you are hearing impaired, text “Relay/NGT” to 18001 0808 800 0340. This option is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also email us on [email protected] 9 am – 9 pm.
Please note, we may not be able to respond to emails straight away, but will try to reply within 24 hours.
National Help
If you’re further afield, you could contact other charities like Women’s Aid, who have instant messaging and email contact on their website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) also provide confidential support. They can help you make a safety plan, find safe housing, and access legal protections.
The deaf health charity Signhealth also runs a domestic abuse support service, DeafHope, using British Sign Language (BSL).