It's the first step, and likely the hardest. You have to be safe, and you don't have to do it without help.
If you are in Monroe County, contact MiddleWay House for help. They can offer shelter, legal advice and support.
Be smart, every step of the way. Make a list of important phone numbers, talk to your friends and family if you can and elist their assistance.
Involving the police is a frightening prospect, I know. Think carefully and make decisions based on your safety and the safety of your children.
There is no right way to protect yourself.
Filing a police report isn't necessary to escape, but it is necessary if you want justice. Justice requires a legal process and the police, coupled with your vigilance and smarts, can keep you safe from further abuse.
If you have children, please take the time to understand what's at stake for them. Running away is frightening, certainly. Growing up in an abusive household is detrimental. Read, research and above all else (my you will hear me say this so often) be SMART!
There are thousands of sites offering advice on escape and research on the long term dangers of abusive environments, here are just a few: