Out In The Open

'If he raises his hand too quickly… I'm out'

Having an escape plan to survive the holidays with an abusive relative
If you're feeling unsafe at a holiday gathering, consider an exit strategy. (Martin Abegglen )

Nerissa Martin's father is an alcoholic and is physically abusive.

Even though she moved out long ago, Nerissa still spends Christmas with her parents. But if her father starts to act in a way that makes Nerissa uncomfortable, she has an escape plan.

"I will either find a room in the house to go to, I'll walk away, I'll take a bus, I'll call an Uber, I'll just leave."

Nerissa talks about how her escape plan makes her feel better about spending time around her father.