Domestic Abuse
What is Abuse?
Abuse is any non-healthy behavior that belittles, demeans or intimidates another person. This includes physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse. Abuse is a crime. Domestic violence in the presence of a minor is a felony.
If You Know Someone Is Being Abused:
If You Fear You May Become Abused or In Danger, Develop a Safety Plan:
Abuse is any non-healthy behavior that belittles, demeans or intimidates another person. This includes physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse. Abuse is a crime. Domestic violence in the presence of a minor is a felony.
If You Know Someone Is Being Abused:
- Let them know you care and there is help.
- Let them know violence is not acceptable.
- Provide information so they can choose to seek help.
- Don't ignore it. If children are involved, it must be reported. Failure to do so is a crime.
If You Fear You May Become Abused or In Danger, Develop a Safety Plan:
- If an argument seems unavoidable move to a room with easy access to a door or window. Not a bathroom, kitchen or anywhere near potential weapons.
- Identify which door, window, stairwell or elevators offers the quickest way out of your home and practice your route with your children if appropriate.
- Devise a code word to use with your children, family and friends when you need the police.
- Note batterer's information (date of birth, Social Security Number, description, vehicle/license, weapons, work sites). Conceal it and leave a copy with a trusted relative or friend, if possible.
- Have a bag packed and ready. Keep it hidden but easy to get to. For instance, at the house of a trusted friend or relative. Pack it with money, medications, clothes, extra keys, important papers. When leaving, take a child's favorite toy or blanket.
- Plan a safe place to go. Keep phone numbers handy of Elijah Haven, trusted friend or relative. Choose a public location for meeting a trusted friend or relative, such as the local McDonalds, Gas Station, a Church parking lot.
Remember: Leaving your batterer is the most dangerous time.