Without help, abuse may continue and worsen. The first step toward self-assertion is to realize that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and not be physically, sexually or verbally abused by another individual.

The most effective way to end the cycle of abuse is by reporting it as soon as possible. Victims of abuse may find this difficult, either out of fear or because they do not want to betray someone they love. While victims are often unable to stop abuse while it is happening to them, there is much they can do to get help and support.

Abuse victims should ensure their personal safety first. This includes calling local authorities in cases of emergency, especially in life-threatening situations, and getting away from the abuser as soon as possible.

In cases of rape or sexual assault, victims are encouraged not to wash, comb or cleanse any part of their body and if possible, not change their clothes. This will enable hospital staff to collect evidence (e.g., semen) for the authorities that may be later used to arrest a perpetrator.

On the other hand, individuals in ongoing abusive relationships may not be able to immediately leave an abuser. Because self-esteem can suffer tremendously during prolonged abuse, victims of abuse may not be able to take care of themselves or take the necessary steps to leave an abusive relationship. At this time, getting help and support from relatives, friends and other loved ones is an important step in changing the situation.

Other tips for coping with ongoing abuse include:

• Visit the nearest medical facility or hospital as soon as possible to treat any injuries sustained during abuse.
  
  
• Confide in trusted individuals. This may include friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, teachers, primary care physicians or mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists), professors and religious or spiritual leaders (e.g., priests, rabbis).
  
  
• Keep money handy for transportation (e.g., taxis, buses) in case a fast escape is necessary. Vital documents such as birth certificates, passports, social security cards, driver’s licenses and other forms of personal identification should also be kept available.
  
  
• Keep spare change, calling cards or cell phones ready or charged for immediate access to communication.
  
  
• Keep a diary or journal. Writing about traumatic events such as abuse is emotionally therapeutic and it may also prove helpful if evidence of abuse is later needed by law enforcement agencies. Keep a copy of the journal and any other evidence in a safe location, such as with a trusted friend or in a password-protected computer file.
  
  
• End the abusive relationship. Perhaps the most difficult step, but it also is the most likely way to ensure that abuse stops completely.
  
  
• Get mental health treatment (e.g., counseling). Many victims of abuse find that painful emotions may linger even after the abuse ends. Talking to a mental health professional such as a psychologist is one way to sort through the complicated feelings and reactions that being abused creates, and the process can help to rebuild feelings of safety, confidence and self-esteem. It can also help a person identify patterns in their relationships to help avoid future abusive relationships.
  
  
• Join support groups for victims of abuse. These groups, either in-person or on the Internet, can be especially helpful for individuals with limited personal support systems.
  
  
• Avoid obsessing about the abusive relationship or incident after it is over. It should be noted that this is not suggesting denial. However, constantly rehashing the abuse in such cases may affect one’s emotional health.
  
  
• Engage in activities that boost self-esteem, such as learning a new skill or hobby or joining a local social group. Doing so may also keep one from constantly thinking about the abuse.