How to Get Help if You're Being Abused

By eHow Relationships & Family Editor

Rate: (9 Ratings)

The following information is based on materials from the Santa Barbara Domestic Hotline, the Shelter Services for Women, and the Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Get Help

Step1
Call 911 for immediate help. Tell the operator it's an emergency.
Step2
Give your address clearly.
Step3
Call a domestic abuse hotline.
Step4
File charges against the abuser.
Step5
Get a restraining order or a protection order to keep the abuser away from you.

Make a Safety Plan

Step1
Save money each week.
Step2
Keep money aside (and hidden) for an emergency.
Step3
Keep important documents handy and easily accessible: birth certificates, social security cards, green cards and health records.
Step4
Plan an escape route from your house or apartment.
Step5
Arrange with neighbors to call police if they hear yelling or get a signal from you.
Step6
Arrange for a safe place to stay overnight or longer in case of emergency: with a friend, family member, co-worker, or in a shelter.

Tips & Warnings

  • Contact domestic abuse hotlines for support and help.
  • Never blame yourself nor feel ashamed for being a victim of abuse.
  • Avoid relationships with known abusers.
  • Arrange for a safe haven before violence occurs.
  • Get information from a hotline regarding shelters and other help.
  • Have an open bus or train ticket available if possible.

Comments

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on 6/18/2008 WELL IM HOPING THAT HE IS GONE TODAY

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on 6/18/2008 SEE I GOT HIT AGAIN LAST NIGHT AND WHENE I TRIED CALLING THE COPS I DIDNT GET A CHANCE TO DILE BECAUSE IHE TOOK THE PHONE AND ALMOST HIT ME WITH IT

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 No matter how long it's been going on, or how scared you may be, tell someone. He or she will make you think no one will help you. You will think there's no one to help you. All they want is control.... It helps!

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