Even though mentally abusive relationships may not appear dangerous from the outside, they can cause severe psychological damage. People subjected to emotional abuse should take the same precautions as other domestic violence victims when leaving the relationship. If you feel you are being emotionally and mentally abused, contact a domestic violence hotline and begin to develop a plan to leave the relationship safely.

Planning

Before you take the first steps toward getting out of a mentally abusive relationship, it is important to have a safety plan in place to ensure you are safe and have your basic needs met after you have left. Whether you plan to stay at a domestic abuse shelter or move into a new home, make plans for your housing before attempting to leave the mentally abusive situation. Living on the streets or in a car may be more dangerous than staying in your current living arrangement.

Finances

Make sure that your finances are in order before you leave. If possible, put your money in a checking or savings account that your abusive partner cannot access. If you cannot open your own account without your partner's knowledge, make sure that you are able to access adequate cash for food and daily living expenses at the time you leave the relationship.

Support

Ensure that you have an adequate support system and notify them of your plans. Before you get out of the abusive relationship, notify your close friends and family about where you will be staying. Make sure that they have your address, cell phone number and contact information for your place of employment so they can check up on you and make sure that you were able to execute your plan.

Restraining Order

If you think your mentally abusive partner may become violent or try to track you down after you leave, consider requesting a restraining order. You can apply for one at the office of the Clerk of the Court in the city or county where you reside.

To request a restraining order, you will need to provide information on you, your partner and your children, and provide the court with the new address where you will be staying. The court will also ask you to provide details about the mental abuse. This information will remain confidential; your mentally abusive partner will not have access to your contact information through the court records.

Therapy

Contact a counselor or psychiatrist. After you leave a mentally abusive relationship, it will be important for you to talk to a professional therapist to help you work through the damage caused by your partner's emotional abuse. If your private insurance does not cover mental health counseling, contact a domestic abuse hotline or abuse shelter. These agencies have therapists on staff who will be able to work with you at no cost or at a reduced fee.