In intimate partner violence, it is a pattern of sexual, physical, psychological, and/or emotional abuse used by one partner to gain control over the other.Women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence than men.In heterosexual relationships, domestic violence is more common than in LGBTQ+ relationships.The majority of domestic violence incidents are not reported to the authorities.The first step to breaking the power of domestic violence is reporting it.You can get in touch with local agencies if you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic violence.
Step 1: An escape bag is needed.
Put all of the people that you need to contact in your cheap mobile phone, as well as the numbers for your children's services, in its memory.If you have children.You should pack documents that show your ownership of any vehicle or property.Attach money to a secondary cash card for your bank.Pack lots of clothes.Pack clothes for the children as well.Pack your prescription medication with the prescription information sheets.If you have to run, take the bag to a place where you can retrieve it quickly.It is best to keep it at a trusted friend's house.If you must keep it at home, make sure it is hidden.
Step 2: A safety plan is needed.
If you have to call the authorities, you can download a PDF form from the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence.If you can't find it, keep a copy in a secure place.A copy should be given to a friend as well.When you need it, your loved ones will know how to support you.
Step 3: There is a domestic violence hotline.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be used to report domestic violence.Trained advocates at the hotlines listen to you and offer advice on how to best care for yourself.You will never be judged if you call the hotlines.If your phone or internet use is monitored at home, you can use a computer at a public library to call a hotline or make a call from a friend's phone.Stay safe.Local women's advocates and shelters can be reached by these hotlines.
Step 4: You can call the emergency services.
It is important to establish a paper trail to keep yourself safe.You can call the police or emergency services.Tell them that you don't feel safe and that it's an emergency.The police have to arrest suspects in certain domestic situations.Give the police everything you know about what happened.If you can remember the actions and words, you should include them.Let the police know where your kids are.If you were injured, you should tell the police about it.
Step 5: Take a picture of the incident.
If you can do it safely, keeping copies of damage or injuries from the incident can help you prove your case in court.Take pictures of any visible harm or injury.You can remember what was said, so write it down.Take pictures of the damage to the property.Copies of threatening messages can be made.Get statements from witnesses, including your children.
Step 6: You can get a copy of the report.
Most states require the police to fill out domestic incident reports.You can get a copy of this report with your case number.Get the officers names and badges.If you need to call witnesses for a court case or add information to the report later, this can be helpful.
Step 7: There is a safe shelter.
Go to their house if you have pre-arranged with a friend or family member.Take your children with you if you have them.Search for safehouses and women's shelters in your area.A hotline may be able to refer you to a safe location.A secret location that is accessible 24 hours a day is known as a safehouse.You can usually get in touch with advocates, counseling services, and legal aid at these locations, which are often run by nonprofits.
Step 8: Go to the hospital.
You should go to the hospital if you were hurt.This will allow you to get treatment for your injuries, as well as establish official documentation of your abuse.This will help you get a protection order.Tell the staff about any injuries you had.You can say how you got the injuries if you feel comfortable doing it.People are there to help you, not to judge you.There is no need to be embarrassed.You didn't do anything wrong.If you have injuries to your head, be extra careful.If you experience memory loss, dizziness, eyesight trouble, vomiting, or headaches after an abusive incident, go to the hospital immediately.
Step 9: Seek an order of protection.
The personal protection order and retraining order are court orders that can help protect you from your abuser, and provide steep penalties if you are harassed again.They can help protect your children.You need to go before the local court to get one.Many domestic violence agencies offer assistance in applying for protection orders, filing criminal charges, and other legal aid.Anyone who has been physically, sexually, emotionally or psychologically abused by someone they have been in a relationship with can apply for a protection order.Stalking victims can apply for protection orders.You should bring a letter explaining your situation to the court.You can bring copies of all the documentation you can, including police reports, photographs, statements, etc.Provide information about your stalker.At all times, carry a copy of your protection order with you.If anyone attempts to violate the order, police will be able to enforce it.
Step 10: If there is an emergency, call the authorities.
If you hear or see threatening activity, call the police.If you feel afraid for your own safety, you can call the police.In some cases, the victim of domestic violence may deny or downplay what happened out of fear.If this happens, don't be upset with the person.Drop by and ask to borrow something to stop the violence if you don't want to call the police.Abusers don't want to be seen with their true behavior.
Step 11: Speak to your loved one first.
If the person being abused doesn't have a safety plan in place, calling the police or authorities can actually create more problems.Before you do anything, talk to your loved one about your concerns.If you suspect someone of abuse, choose a safe place.If you mention your concerns to the abusive person, you could put your loved in even more danger.You should be supportive with your concerns.Don't make accusations or ultimatums.
Step 12: Support is nonjudgmental.
Many victims of domestic violence don't leave the abusive situation because they have many reasons not to.Don't criticize your loved one or act like you know what they need to do.Believe in your loved one.Abusers tell their victims that they won't be believed or cared for.No matter what, tell your loved one that you believe them and are there for them.Tell your loved one that their feelings are normal.It is common for victims of domestic violence to feel confused, embarrassed, depressed, overwhelmed, or frightened.
Step 13: Offer to work on a safety plan.
Once the domestic violence has been reported, your loved one will need a way to assure safety.Many states have "mandatory arrest" laws that arrest suspects of domestic violence, but many abusers are released and take revenge on those who reported them.You can get a PDF form from the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence.At your home, keep a copy of your loved one's safety plan.You know what you can do to help.Agree on a code word.Abusers monitor their victims' communications on the internet and cellphones.Your loved one can use a signal to let you know they're in trouble.An emergency bag is a must for your loved one.Copies of all important documentation should be included.Changes of clothes, money, and prescription drugs are included.
Step 14: Call a domestic violence agency.
Knowing what your loved one is going through and knowing the resources available will help you provide better support.If you need a referral for an agency in your area, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.Domestic violence agencies have advocates who can help the abused person get in touch with the authorities, stay safe, and escape the abusive situation.
Step 15: You cannot save the person.
It can be difficult to know if a loved one is in an abusive situation.It is not your place to save or rescue someone.Allow them to make their own decisions, and offer your support.Domestic abuse victims feel disrespected and powerless.By showing your support and respect for your loved one, you are giving them something they may not get from anyone else.