Seven Steps to Escaping the Violence

GET TO A SAFE PLACE!

It's a crime to threaten or hit another person. If you are the victim of domestic violence, you have the right to protect yourself and to expect help from others.

Don't stay in your home. Doing nothing solves nothing. Go to a friend, neighbor, or relative.

Temporary shelter is available for battered persons and their children. The important thing is to get to a safe place as quickly as possible!

CALL THE POLICE!

If you are in a battering relationship, you cannot control the situation, therefore it is important to report any assault or battery to the police department by calling 9-1-1 immediately.

The sooner you report a battering the better. By allowing others to become involved you are helping yourself, and helping the batterer.

FOLLOW THROUGH!

If there is enough evidence against your assailant, an arrest will be made. There will be an arraignment before a judge and bail will be set.

If bond is posted, the batterer will be released until a pre-trial hearing is held. It is common for victims to fear for their safety during this time. You are a witness in the case, and tampering with a witness is a crime. If you are harassed or threatened by anyone regarding the case, report it to the police and ask that action be taken.

DON'T BELIEVE... "I'll NEVER HIT AGAIN"

Criminal prosecution and/or civil action (divorce or separation) are options for any battered person.

Often the batterer is unable to admit there is a problem. Counseling is only helpful if both partners want help and are motivated to work together. If the abuse is habitual or extremely violent, the batterer may need long term therapy.

CONSIDER YOUR FUTURE SAFETY

If the batterer refuses to seek help, it is unlikely the beatings will stop. Statistics show the beatings will become more and more severe. Protect yourself.

LOOK FOR HELP!

You're not alone.

If you are planning to set up a separate residence, do some planning in advance and locate resources to support you in the first few weeks. Check with private social service agencies, churches or the battered women's shelters.

Don't be ashamed to ask for help!

If you are a female and find yourself in a situation where you do not feel that you have a safe place to turn for help... 

You do have SOMEPLACE SAFE you can go.