How to Break Up Safely

If you don’t feel safe, don’t break up in person. It may seem cruel to break up over the phone or by email, but it can provide you the distance needed to stay safe.

If you decide to break up in person, consider doing it in a public place. Have friends or your parents wait for you nearby. Take a cell phone with you if possible.

Let your friends and parents know you are ending your relationship, especially if you think your ex will come to your house or try to get you alone.

If your ex tries to come to your house when you’re alone, don’t go to the door.

Ask for help. A Peer Advocate at the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline can help you make a plan or locate local resources if you need. (1-866-331-9474)

Consider changing your route to and from school, work, extracurricular activities, and home. Try to change your locker or school schedule.

Keep a calling card and/or extra money in an “emergency wallet” that you have with you always. Include a list of emergency phone numbers.

With your support network, especially your friends, have a code word that you use if abuser is present and you need help, so your friends can call the police and/or other people to help you.