Domestic Violence - No One Deserves to be Abused

Everyone knows a victim of domestic violence. They are our neighbors, our co-workers and members of our family. Most victims of domestic violence are women although men can be battered too. Domestic violence occurs within a family or an intimate relationship as a way to control the other person. Domestic violence includes physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, choking, shoving, not allowing someone to leave home or using objects like knives or guns to cause injury. It also includes harming someone emotionally by threats, name-calling and put-downs. Women may be raped or forced into unwanted sex acts. A husband or boyfriend may steal money and other items, destroy personal belongings. Hurt pets, threaten children or not allow someone to work or see their friends and family.

If any of these things are happening to you, or you are afraid of your partner, you may be a battered person. Domestic violence is a crime and there are legal protections available to you. You can get help. Leaving a violent relationship isn’t easy. People stay because of money, family pressure, concern for kids or fear of their partner. If you leave or stay, help is just a phone call away by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Whether you are a woman or a man, counselors are available to answer your questions, provide emergency help, call the police if you ask them to, give you information about safe places to go to, and if you simply need to talk, they will listen.

If something about your relationship scares you, and you need to talk, call us.

National Domestic Violence Hotline - http://www.ndvh.org
1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
1-800-787-3224 (TTY for the Deaf)

Help is available in English and Spanish and many other languages.

All contact with the hotline is free and confidential.