Domestic Violence
By: Holly Aldridge
What is it?
What are signs you should get out?
Sudden unexpected changes in the relationship, you're being threatened, if you ever feel afraid of your partner, you fear making your partner mad, if they belittle you, you feel helpless, your partner is abusive or controlling, they put their hands on you or threaten you... all of these are signs and reasons to get out of that relationship as quickly and safely as possible.
But... why do some people still stay in these situations?
There is help for you!
Counselors
Family members can help get you out & support you
Support groups
domestic violence hotlines
you are not alone.
friends and family care about you..
How does one get out of a domestic violence situation?
If you realize you are in a domestic violence relationship then you need to: create an escape plan. If you are able to walk away, then run. Keep gas in your car, drivers door unlocked, and keep extra clothes and money in a safe place that's easy to get to.
If you're in a situation where you can make a phone call safely call the police. They can and will come and take away the abuser as long as you have physical evidence you were abused. The abuser will be held in jail for a minimum of 24 hours giving you enough time to get away and escape to a safe place. Once you're out of that relationship stay out. Stay completely out of contact with that person for your own safety. Even if you feel you can help them, you can't. They have to realize and decide they want to get help for their own self. Your top priority is to keep yourself safe and out of harmful situations.
citations
"Domestic Violence and Abuse." : Signs of Abuse and Abusive Relationships. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
Dictionary.com
Help for Abused and Battered Women." : Protecting Yourself and Escaping from Domestic Violence. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.
Pictures
- http://16days.thepixelproject.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/stop-domestic-violence.png
- http://jeffreysterlingmd.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/national-domestic-violence-hotline-big.jpg
- http://www.stopdv.org/files/2713/6167/2084/IRIS.png
- http://www.autismwonderland.com/2013/10/october-is-domestic-violence-awareness.html
- http://www.speaktrain.com/index.4.jpg