Domestic Violence affects one out of every three women. And since many cases of domestic violence and abuse get unreported, the statistics are probably much greater. Studies show that domestic violence and abuse only gets worse and it will happen more often. This is especially true when a woman tries to end or leave an abusive relationship.
Some steps to take for women and their children:
- Call 911 for any immediate danger! Or arrange a signal with a neighbor or a friend to call 911.
- Call an area domestic violence program! Or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) for help, support, advice, and legal assistance.
- Document the abuse! Take photos of any and all bruises or injuries. Keep all copies of medical records. Save all correspondence with the abuser, such as e-mails, letters, voicemail, text messages. Write in a journal. Document, Document, Document!
- Tell people! Let trusted people know about the abuse, such as family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, an employer. Reach out for help and support.
- Get some money! Set aside and hide extra money and spare keys.
- Gather important documents! Put together a group of papers, such as social security cards, birth certificates, insurance papers, wills, bank account and checkbook information, and any ownership papers. And, know the abuser’s social security number, birth date, and place of birth.
Women often feel scared, alone, guilty, ashamed, and have little to no hope for a future without violence. Women often don’t know how to get help, who to turn to for help or where to go for help. But, there is help out there. And, there is hope. No one is ever alone in dealing with domestic violence and abuse.
Take that first step. Plan carefully and be safe. Start a life free of domestic violence and abuse. No one deserves to be abused.
Scars remind us of where we’ve been; they don’t have to dictate where we are going!
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