For many survivors, the decision to leave an abusive relationship takes incredible courage.
It can mean walking away from everything that once felt familiar – home, belongings, financial stability, and sometimes even relationships with friends or family.
What many people don’t realize is that leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time for a survivor.
Research shows that the risk of serious harm or homicide can increase when someone tries to leave their abuser. One study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that women face a significantly higher risk of being killed by an abusive partner around the time they separate.
Survivors are up to 75% more likely to be killed when attempting to leave an abusive relationship.
Understanding why this happens helps us better support survivors and build safer systems for those seeking help.
Why Leaving Can Be So Dangerous
Domestic violence is about power and control.
An abuser often uses fear, intimidation, and manipulation to maintain that control. When a survivor decides to leave, that control begins to disappear.
For some abusers, this loss of control leads to increased threats or violence.
During this time, survivors may experience:
- Escalating threats or physical violence
- Stalking or harassment
- Attempts to control money or transportation
- Threats involving children or family members
- Pressure to return to the relationship
At the same time, survivors must make many difficult decisions quickly – often while trying to stay safe.
The Challenges Survivors Face When Leaving
Leaving an abusive relationship is not as simple as walking out the door.
Survivors may need to rebuild many parts of their lives at once. That can include:
- Finding a safe place to stay
- Filing an order of protection
- Accessing counseling or medical care
- Securing childcare
- Replacing important documents
- Finding a job or stable income
Many survivors must also navigate complex systems like courts, housing programs, and social services.
According to the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence, barriers such as housing, financial security, and legal support are some of the biggest challenges survivors face when trying to leave abusive situations.
Without coordinated support, survivors may have to visit multiple agencies across a city, repeating their story again and again.
This process can take weeks, sometimes longer. And during that time, survivors remain at risk.
A Better Way to Help Survivors
The Forest of Hope Family Peace Center was created to change this experience for survivors in Arkansas.
Instead of traveling to many different agencies, survivors will be able to access a wide range of services in one safe place.
The Family Peace Center will bring together partners who provide:
- Emergency shelter
- Legal advocacy and orders of protection
- Counseling and trauma support
- Child advocacy services
- Housing assistance
- Career and financial support
This coordinated approach helps survivors get the help they need faster and more safely.
It also means survivors can tell their story once and receive support from a team of professionals working together.
A Future Defined by Hope
Leaving an abusive relationship takes strength, courage, and support.
No one should have to face that journey alone.
The Forest of Hope Family Peace Center represents a new chapter for Arkansas – one where survivors can find help more quickly, reduce the risks they face, and begin rebuilding their lives with dignity.
Because every survivor deserves a future defined not by violence, but by safety, strength, and hope.
If You Need Help
Women & Children First operates a 24-hour statewide crisis hotline and online chat for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Call: 800-332-4443 or Chat: wcfarkansas.org
Help is available.
You are not alone.
Learn more:
https://www.wcfarkansas.org
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation and you need help, please take the first step and call our 24-Hour hotline.
