Starting a relationship with someone new can be exciting but also worrisome after a past abusive relationship. This is especially true if your abusive ex-partner is still involved in your life on some level. An update to your safety plan may be needed.
Also, give some thought to the type of relationship you are looking for, how you want to be treated and how you want to treat the other person in return. The following graphic is a depiction of a healthy, balanced relationship. You may find it helpful as you start to think about the specific things that you want in a future relationship.
The Equality Wheel is based on the Duluth Model and used with permission from Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs. A text version of this graphic is also available.
Click on the image to see a larger version.