Domestic Violence
Domestic violence affects all of us, as there is someone in each of our lives suffering in a violent relationship. Whether you are a victim, or know someone that is, the goal is surviving and living a happy, healthy life beyond the violence.
Please use a secure computer to access this website!
If you are not a victim, it may be hard to imagine that people deliberately hurt the ones they claim to love. Victims have a hard time believing it as well. And so begins the
cycle.
Many victims leave their violent situation, only to return several times over for one reason, or another.
This website is created to assist you and your loved ones as you navigate through this season. You will find information about domestic violence, signs, tips, advice, your rights, advocating for yourself and others, and self-defense, which is much different in this case than others.
What does it look like? I recommend
An Inside View,
Survival Stories,
and
My Story.
How do I get out of this mess? I recommend reading
Safety Plans
as it has the information you will need as you make your decisions and move forward.
If I am SAFE for now and have time to plan to get out of this mess, what is one piece of advice? You must
advocate
for yourself and if you have children, for your children. This season can affect your life for decades to come. This is not something you can just walk away from unless you advocate for yourself. Your freedom will come through advocating! Secretly, document everything with complete dates, takes pictures of damage to property and injuries inflicted, get police reports and restraining orders when needed and keep them with a family member, or a friend.
If your situation changes and you don’t have all of your documents put together, your safety is more important. You can get copies of medical records, police records, and legal documents when needed.
No matter where you are within the United States the
National Domestic Violence Hotline
at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) has information to assist you in your area. Your area may also have 2-1-1 for community information and referrals. If 2-1-1 doesn’t work call 1-866-736-9634.
You can get through this season in your life. I believe surviving is within each of us!
