Article: There's no one rule about whether or not you should break up in public or in private. It will all depend upon your relationship and your boyfriend's personality. Even so, it's usually best not to break up with him in a place where he'll be humiliated. It's not a great idea to break up in a place that is totally isolated, just in case things get scary. Remember that even if you believe your boyfriend would never hurt you, people can act in surprising ways when they are hurt or embarrassed. Try to choose a place where you can have a private conversation, but where you can easily leave or call for help if needed. A good place might be a public park where you can sit on a bench out of earshot of other people, but where there are other people around. You may want to consider having a friend or an older sibling hang out nearby in case you're worried about how the conversation with your boyfriend will go. Once you and your boyfriend have sat down together, you may want to begin by telling him something kind. Unless he's been terrible to you, there's no reason to be cruel. It may help him to be reassured of the good qualities that he has that brought you together in the beginning. For example, you could say, “You've always been so supportive of me, which I really appreciate,” or “We have an awesome spark, and had a lot of fun together”. You won't want to beat around the bush, though. Make sure that you are direct and that you let your boyfriend know that you are breaking up. Tell him, “I don't want to be in a serious relationship right now, and I want to break up” or “I'm looking for something more out of a relationship, so I don't think we should see each other anymore”. Everyone can see through the “it's not you, it's me” line, so try to find a way to clearly explain to your boyfriend why you want to end things without insulting his intelligence.  Of course, it is possible that you want to break up not because of anything he's done but because you've realized you want something else (in which case it really is you, not him!); even so, try to find a different way of putting it. For example, try saying, “You're great, but we're very different, and I think I'd be a better match with someone who likes more of the same things I do.” Your boyfriend may have questions, or may want to explain himself to you, and you should at least be open to listening to him. Of course, if he reacts with anger or calls you names, you shouldn't feel as though you have to hear him out, and you should not feel bad at all about leaving. There's no need for you to drag out your break-up conversation, or to stay up all night talking and crying. You'll just go around and around in circles, and you'll both be emotionally drained. It may help if you schedule something that you need to go to shortly after your “meeting” with your boyfriend, so that you won't get dragged into a painfully long talk. Unless you're Taylor Swift, it may feel harsh to say “We're never ever getting back together.” It's important, though, that you don't leave your (now ex-)boyfriend with false hope.  If you really don't see a future together, then avoid saying anything that might make him think there is still hope. For example, don't suggest that you take a break, if what you really want is to see other people.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Choose the right place to break up. Avoid really private locations. Bring back-up if needed. Consider beginning by saying something kind. Avoid sugar-coating it. Avoid using the obvious break-up cliches. Be prepared to listen to your boyfriend. Keep it quick. Be firm and clear.

Most shelters will provide guidance towards legal help.  Some even offer free legal services for survivors of domestic violence. Even if you are not staying at a shelter, you should contact the organization (most have a help line) to inquire about free or low-cost legal services. Some organizations help with immigration services for immigrant victims of domestic violence; don't stay in an abusive situation because you fear deportation.  You have the right to be free of violence even if you are an immigrant. You will likely need an attorney to support you through the legal battle(s) that you may have to face.  If you were married to your abuser, if you had children together, or if you are an immigrant, you will need to make legal changes that an attorney can help with. If you do not have money, you may still be able to get an attorney.  Some attorneys will include a suit for fees from your abuser in the event of a court case in your favor.  Some may also take your case “pro bono,” or as an act of charity. A PPO is a court-backed document that allows you legal protection from a past abuser.  To file for a PPO, take any and all evidence of abuse you have as well as a letter describing the abusive situation and the relationship between you and your abuser to your local courthouse.  They should provide you with further instructions about how to fill out the appropriate paperwork to get a legal PPO.  After you file for your PPO, if it is approved, it will need to be legally served to your abuser, and you will need to file a proof of service with the court.  Talk to the clerk at the courthouse about how to do this. Once you have a PPO, keep it with you at all times.  If your abuser violates the terms of the PPO, you may need to show the PPO to the police. Be aware that a PPO does not guarantee your protection.  It makes it easier to have your abuser arrested in the event of further incidents, but a PPO is often not enough to keep a violent abuser away from you completely. If you have been recently assaulted, or if you have records of abuse (police and/or medical records), file assault charges against your abuser.  You might be able to file for assault without physical evidence (particularly if you can provide witnesses to your abuse), but it will be much easier if you collected physical evidence of assault before you left. You will likely have a case against your abuser that has multiple levels (for example, you might file for divorce, sue for child custody, file for assault, and request a PPO).  The complicated nature of these charges necessitates a lawyer. Once you have left your abuser, you will need to cut legal ties.  If you were unmarried and did not have children, this may be as easy as canceling joint accounts.  If you were married and had children, you may face complicated legal battles that will require seeing your abuser (in the courtroom if nowhere else).  Be prepared for this by leaning on the support systems you now have in place—the shelter, your legal counsel, your friends and family, and a therapist. Whether you prefer the personal attention of a therapist or the community of support from group therapy (or both!), you need to get help.  Surviving abuse is not easy, and getting out takes a lot of strength.  You need to lean on others to heal effectively, stay strong, and prepare yourself for healthier relationships in the future.
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One-sentence summary --
Ask a shelter for guidance or resources. Contact an attorney. File for a personal protection order (PPO). File assault charges. Take the appropriate steps for divorce or child custody. Go to therapy.