Relationships

Secure Yourself Against a Toxic Ex With These Quick Steps

a couple having a misunderstanding

Ending a toxic relationship is the best thing for everyone involved. But as you probably know, it isn’t easy. It can take some time for everything to calm down, and you may even need to secure yourself against a toxic ex. If you aren’t sure how to do it, here are some steps you can take.

Get Door and Window Locks Changed

One of the first things you need to do is to secure the doors and windows. However, if your ex has legal access rights to the property, you could be breaking the law. So always ensure you can go ahead before calling a reliable locksmith service like VicLocks. However, if you are legally allowed to change the locks, always do this! You are usually in the most danger just before and right after ending a relationship, and new locks could give you additional piece of mind.

couple having an argument
Photo by Timur Weber

Be Aware of Communication Issues

It always helps to cut off contact with toxic people. A toxic ex may take pleasure in harassing you. This includes using social media, sending unpleasant texts, and calling in the middle of the night. Some exes, will also use language to unsettle you or even threaten violence. If this happens, keep records and contact the police. It can be helpful to buy a new SIM card and close social media accounts if things get worrying.

Secure Against a Toxic Ex with Smart Devices

In some cases, an ex-partner can turn into a stalker. This is when things become extremely dangerous and things can escalate quickly. According to law enforcement professionals up to 50% of personal assaults reported in the US were perpetrated by an ex-partner. Securing your home with new locks is a great first step. Yet there are also other home improvements. Smart devices such as smart locks and cameras will alert your smartphone if someone is trying to get into your home.

Stay Calm and Don’t React

When you allow a toxic ex to show their true colors, it doesn’t work out well for them. Staying calm and being the bigger person means you won’t play their game. It also reduces the chance of anything negative coming back on you should they discredit you or go to the police. Don’t argue if they call, don’t reply to texts and DMs, and never take to social media to get back at them. The second you do this, you open yourself up to scrutiny, and they can use this against you.

Don’t Forget About Mail

If you have shared a home with a toxic ex, they can use mail collection as a legal excuse to come to the property. This is something many people overlook when breaking up. So, immediately cancel any mail that gets sent to the home and forward it to an address of their choosing. If your partner won’t give you a forwarding address, then inform them you will return all mail to the sender as they no longer live there. Get this in writing to use as legal evidence, if required.

person holding white envelope
Photo by Element5 Digital

Changing doors and window locks will help secure against a toxic ex. Smart locks and cameras elevate home security even further and will alert you to unauthorized access. You can also avoid seeing your ex by preventing any mail from coming to the property that you once shared. And remember to always contact the police if you need assistance.

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