ARE YOU BEING ABUSED?
Does the person you love... Threaten to hurt you or your children? Say it’s your fault if he or she hits you, then promises it won’t happen again (but it does)? Put you down in public or keep you from contacting family or friends? Push, hit, choke, kick, or slap you? Force you to have sex?
Just one "yes" answer means you’re involved in an abusive relationship. You’re not alone and you have choices.
NO ONE DESERVES TO BE ABUSED It is hard to make the decision to leave. When you are ready, you need a safety plan. Contact a local domestic violence shelter for assistance. (See listings under our resource section.) Talk with a trustworthy friend or relative about what is happening. They may be a good source of support. Pack a bag in advance and leave it with friends or relatives. Include cash or a credit card, medication, important papers, a change of clothes for you and your children and favorite toys. Include coins in case you need to use a pay phone. Hide extra car and house keys outside your house in case you must leave in a hurry. CALL 911 IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OR NEED HELP. otherwise call the NATIONAL 24 HOUR TOLL-FREE HOTLINE: 1 (800) 799-SAFE or 1 (800) 799-7233 Also check out our local and national resource listings of phone numbers and websites |
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Divorce and Kids ©2001
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