Breaking up with an abuser is generally the most dangerous time

Research reveals that the most dangerous time for a women in an abusive relationship is generally when she either attempts to leave or break up with her abuser.

When Tanya Pankz spoke Sept. 10 at Rockwall’s Presbyterian Hospital, she told the 20-25 community leaders and volunteers in attendance that her daughter Jennifer was killed when she told her abusive dating partner that she no longer wanted to date him because he was using steroids and was too controlling. When she attempted to walk away, he grabbed her in a headlock and broke her neck, killing her instantly.

Another college student told me recently that she learned this lesson when she attempted to break up with her boyfriend while they were driving down the road in his truck. After she told him that she wanted to end their relationship, he drove his vehicle off the road in an attempt to kill her and commit suicide.

Among the many messages that we need to spread to women in abusive relationships is don’t try to end it unless you’re in a safe place, preferably speaking on a telephone, rather than in person.