domestic violence
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Domestic violence crosses all ethnic, racial, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religious, and socioeconomic lines. Domestic violence can happen to anybody. In fact, studies suggest that one-fifth to one-third of all women will be physically assaulted by a partner or ex-partner during their lifetime. In heterosexual relationships, 95 percent of all victims are female; and 95 percent of all perpetrators are male. In same-sex relationships, domestic violence happens with the same statistical frequency as in heterosexual relationships. Find out how to recognize domestic violence by clicking here.
How to Stay Safe
- Keep a cell phone available to call 911. Many local YWCAs offer a free cell phone for this purpose.
- If you are in a violent relationship and are afraid, ask neighbors or nearby friends to call the police if they hear violence - you may not be able to call. You may also want to teach your children to phone 911 or get help if it will not seriously endanger them.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Stay in rooms with more than one exit so you do not get trapped in a room. Stay out of rooms with any sharp objects.
- Use your judgment and intuition.
- Keep an emergency bag with supplies in case you have to leave quickly.
- Learn the signs of violence & get out when you see tension building.
- Remove all sharp objects from countertops and line of sight.
- Let trusted friends, family and work know what is happening so they can be there for you.Make copies of important records like bank accounts and financial information, birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance agent, etc. Give them to someone you trust or hide them, preferably outside your home.
How to Stay Safe When Leaving an Abusive Relationship
- Only let trusted friends & family know your plan.
- If you are employed, talk to security at your job or your boss about the situation, so they can help you develop a work safety plan.
- Gather and make copies of important documents. Your local YWCA may be able to provide you an essential document list to help you plan what you will need.
- Take your children and pets.
- Rehearse your departure.
- Plan your escape route.PlNotify your children's school if the other parent is not supposed to pick up children, and not to release information about your address or phone number. Some states allow you to use a state post office box number to protect your address.Vary your routes and times to and from work. Consider changing your work location.
- Remember that no one deserves to be abused!
If You are Attacked
- If an attack is in progress or about to happen, call 911. Protect yourself, children and pets.
- Police policy is to arrest someone if they find that an assault has occurred.
- If they arrest an abuser, the police should call a domestic violence advocate. Many local YWCAs have advocates, but if yours doesn't the police will know whom to contact.
- Go to a hospital emergency room if injuries are severe. Ask them to document injuries. Ask a nurse to call an advocate to provide support and help you with immediate safety planning.
- Consider a domestic violence protection order.
- Create a safety plan.
- Document injuries with photos and witnesses. You may need them later.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); TTY 1-800-787-3224
