Survivor Advocates
If not in immediate danger, the best move anyone being abused can make is to talk to a professional community advocate. This is the first step in restoring clarity, which may be the only outside help needed. Most advocacy agencies have support groups for survivors. It is not necessary to leave a relationship or adhere to any agenda to receive advocacy services. At the other end of the spectrum, community advocates may provide expert safety planning or access to confidential shelters.
Other systems such as courts and child welfare systems may have their own victim advocates. While these are committed caring professionals, unlike community advocates, they have divided loyalties and exceptions to confidentiality. No system based advocate should replace the role of a community advocate.