Living Near Abusers: How to Cope?

I completely understand this. I have to go to the same city as my ex abuser tomorrow and the anxiety is real.

I'm sorry you're going through this too. Ultimately long term moving away was helpful, but I know that's not accible for everyone so here's what got me through it. 1. Find speciality stores you know they don't shop at to go to. Stores like this made me feel a lot safer. 2. Do errands at unusual hours. I work late so doing errands really late or while others are usually working is helpful in feeling safer. 3. Get a doorbell camera. If you rent get a doorbellboa (they allow you to put a doorbell cam on a rental door without damaging it) 4. Make time in your week to relax & give yourself a space in your home that's JUST yours for safety (even if it's a closet). 5. When going out, I tended to find place I knew they didn't go. People are often creatures of habit and eat out or go to the same places. If you don't go to those places, it's highly likely they won't see you. 6. If possie, get a new license plate & paint your car a new color or get a different vehicle. I know this isn't accessible for everyone but this can help you feel safer going out. This isn't something I did (as I didn't have a car before I moved) but shared cause I know it's helped others. 7. I like to wear wigs sometimes, and wigs often help me not be recognized so going out in them this helps me feel safer. These are just a few ideas or things I or others I know have tried. I wish you the best.

Could you get a restraining order? Or do you have a friend you can trust who lives far from them?

i’m sorry you have to deal with this. mine lives about two miles away from me. for me, i always always always bring someone who knows of my situation with my abuser with me in the very slim chance i might run into him (e. my mom, my dad, my boyfriend.) someone who you can turn to for safety and comfort in case is so helpful.

Not very well. I live in the same house as mine, whom is my father, and I find it hard to keep myself grounded at times. It's been a couple years since he's stopped hurting me, but I still find myself shaking whenever I hear his voice or footsteps.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I went through something similar but they also knew where I lived and showed up unexpectedly when I was home alone. I ended up moving about a half hour away and only telling a few people my new address