Printer Friendly version

If you are abused or have a loved one who is abused, get help. Learn how to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of sexual assault or abuse before you find yourself in an uncomfortable or threatening situation. Find a state-by-state list of places to get help at www.4woman.gov/violence2/state.cfm. Other things you can do include:

• Leave immediately if you or your children are in danger! Call a crisis hotline or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE or TDD 800-787-3224, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English, Spanish, and other languages. It can give you the phone 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. Get help. Talk with someone: a family member, friend, colleague, or faith counselor.

• 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.

• Make plans for what you will do if you're attacked again.

• If you decide to leave, choose a place to go and set aside some money. Put important papers - marriage license, birth certificates, checkbook, and irreplaceable papers and items - in a place where you can get them quickly.

• Contact your family court for information about getting a civil protection order.

Last updated: March, 2003