How to Get Help if You're Being Abused

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.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Address Books
• Yellow Pages
• Telephones
• Airline Tickets
• Bus Tickets
• Train Tickets
• Folders

Make a Safety Plan

1. Save money each week.

2. Keep money aside (and hidden) for an emergency.

3. Keep important documents handy and easily accessible: birth certificates, social security cards, green cards and health records.

4. Plan an escape route from your house or apartment.

5. Arrange with neighbors to call police if they hear yelling or get a signal from you.

6. 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.

Get Help

7. Call 911 for immediate help. Tell the operator it's an emergency.

8. Give your address clearly.

9. Call a domestic abuse hotline.

10. File charges against the abuser.

11. Get a restraining order or a protection order to keep the abuser away from you.

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.

[jeanef]

on 7/21/2009 The above advice is solid- especially about getting help from your local Shelter- they can help you and any children to safety, help you get the needed paper trail started (vital to protecting you/child in the future) w/ the authorities, AND help you learn to avoid abuse/abusers in the future. You/kids DESERVE better! And just because you 'love' him (or her!) doesn't mean you should Live with them! You are only creating a bigger bully by putting up with it, and it will only get worse. (This does NOT mean you are the guilty party- they are doing the crime!) Show your kids that real love includes real Respect. Call your Shelter or Abuse Hotline TODAY! (#'s are in the front of the phone book)Even if you are not sure you're ready to 'make the move,' they can help you make a plan.

[ecm1980]

on 5/5/2009 Great advice. Hopfully some people in need will take the advice.

[fubbill]

on 5/5/2009 http://www.wcpo.com/content/news/fresh/story/3-Officers-Injured-While-Running-Down-Suspect/YeLwSjtYok2lV3aAarf5Hg.cspx?p=Comments

[STUFFellaneous]

on 3/11/2009 Good tips. I really hope that someone in an abusive relationship will use them

[gstarlett]

on 2/28/2009 how do you get out of a relationship when you have a child together? its really hard because i cant find ANYONE like him, not that he is so special but i tried dating other people and i would always go back to him. its going on three years, my child is one. He is in DCF care for the abuse that goes on between me and the father. i am afraid of being alone. hes got me hooked and i dont know what the hell to do. ive tried everything.