| October's Health Topic - Violence |
| Don't
keep it to yourself. Keeping silent is another way of giving in
to your abuser. Get help! |
National
Domestic Violence Hotline
(1-800-799-SAFE) |
How do I know if I'm being abused? If the person
you love does any of these things to you, it's time to get help:
- Keeps track of what are you doing all the time
- Constantly accuses you of being unfaithful
- Prevents or discourages you from seeing friends
and family
- Prevents you from working or going to school
- Criticizes you for little things
- Gets angry when he's drinking alcohol or using drugs
- Controls all the money and keeps track of every
penny you spend
- Humiliates you in front of others
- Destroys your property or things that you care about
- Threatens to hurt you or the children
- Hits, punches, slaps, kicks, or bites you or the
children
- Uses or threatens to use a weapon against you
- Forces you to have sex against your will
What can my community do to help prevent or treat
domestic violence?
Create a Safe Place.
Organize your local church, school, or community group or center, so it can
be a safe place where victims of domestic violence can come for help. Display
brochures and posters that include the telephone number of the domestic
violence and sexual assault programs in your area, including the telephone
number of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).
Promote Greater Understanding of What Domestic Violence
Is.
Provide ways for others to learn about domestic violence through seminars,
classes, newsletters, and lectures by professionals or by victims of abuse.
Lead by Example.
Volunteer and speak out. Volunteer to serve on the board of directors at a
local domestic violence/sexual assault program; or attend a training session,
so you can become a crisis volunteer. Speak out in public meetings and
at media events, health fairs, and other gatherings.
What should I do if I'm being abused?
Leave immediately if you or your children are in
danger!
Call a crisis hotline or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).
It can give you the telephone numbers of local hotlines and other resources.
Understand that you're not alone.
Many women are victims of domestic abuse.
Don't ignore it or wait for it to go away.
It won't go away.
Don't keep it to yourself.
Keeping silent is another way of giving in to your abuser. Get help. Talk to
someone: a family member, friend, colleague, club or church member. Call
a domestic violence hotline. If you don't know hot to reach one, call the
National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).
If you've been hurt, get medical attention and call
the police.
Abuse is a crime. The police can help you find information about shelters and
safe houses.
Make plans for what you will do if you're attacked
again.
Think independently, plan your future, and set goals for yourself.
If you decide to leave, choose a place to go and
set aside some money.
Put important papers - marriage license, birth certificates, checkbook - in
a place where you can get them quickly.
Contact your family court for information about getting
a civil protection order that does not involve criminal charges or
penalties.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or
1-800-787-3224 (TDD).
The hotline will provide you with help 24 hours a day,
365 days a year, in English, Spanish, and other languages. The call
is free.
You speak with a trained domestic violence advocate
who can give you information on emergency shelters, legal advocacy,
social services, and other programs near you.
Violence Resources
Atlantic County Women's Center
(609) 646-6767 / 1-800-286-4184
Internet: www.acwc.org
Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-572-SAFE
New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women
(609) 292-8107
TTY (609) 584-0027
Internet: www.njcbw.org
National Women's Health Information Center
Phone: 800-994-9662
TDD: 888-220-5446
Internet: www.4woman.gov/violence (Violence
Against Women web page)
Click here
to see a list of related resources. |
