By Susan Murphy-Milano
With a month left to go before she graduated from the police academy in Florida, Kelly Rothwell, 35, was moving forward to a new chapter in her life. Her plans included ending a volatile relationship with her dangerous boyfriend of over 3 years. The boyfriend controlled and monitored her cell phone and computer activity. When she was out of his radar, he stalked her. Kelly’s training at the police academy would turn her fears and anxieties into strength.
On March 12, 2011, Kelly picked up her keys to her new residence, then met with a friend for lunch before heading over to the boyfriend’s, announcing in person the relationship was over. Kelly Rothwell was never seen or heard from again. She joined the thousands of other women who attempted to end the relationship without a solid plan of action. Law enforcement has since named the boyfriend as a suspect in this case. It is no surprise he was the last person to see Kelly.
Time and time again we read about women who were planning or have already ended their marriage or relationship, reported missing or discovered dead. The abuser has a plan and so should you!
Prior to ending the relationship or rocking the boat in a court of law, follow the instructions provided in the book “Time’s Up! A Guide on How to Leave and Survive Abusive and Stalking Relationships” available from the Institute or Amazon.com.
And if you do nothing else, before you announce the ending of your relationship be sure to prepare the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit and video mentioned in the book. Get the app or learn more about it at http://documenttheabuse.com/
More information on this topic can be found at:
http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/2011/03/intimate-partner-violence-ends-with-no_28.html and http://murphymilanojournal.blogspot.com/
(**If we can support you in your recovery process, please let us know. The Institute is the largest provider of recovery-based services for survivors of pathological love relationships. Information about Pathological Love Relationships is in our award-winning book, Women Who Love Psychopaths, and is also available in our retreats, 1:1s, or phone sessions. See the website for more information.)
