Victims of abuse can use this sample farewell letter for ideas on how to speak their minds to an abuser.
Dear {Recipient},
I should be able to just say this to you in person. But after {number} years being lied to, threatened, belittled and beaten, I don't know if I could actually speak the words to your face. Still, they are things I need to say.
You need help. Your {anger, violence, drinking, addiction} has gone entirely beyond your control. It is not my fault. I did not drive you to do something you regretted. I did not force you to hurt me. Your behavior is your own, and I do not deserve to be spoken to or treated that way.
In your presence I have been made to feel like I'm nothing, like I'm worthless. I am so tired of feeling that way. I'm tired of being afraid and of walking on eggshells whenever you get irritable. I'm tired of explaining away your behavior to my friends. I'm tired of convincing myself that I did something wrong.
I'm leaving. I'm not telling you where, but I am telling you this: don't contact me. Don't look for me, don't follow me, don't call me. Leave me alone. I have seen your periods of contrition and they no longer fool me. If you are really sorry for the way that you've treated me, please seek help.
Goodbye.
{Sender}
