Abuse

There are many forms of family violence, including physical abuse, sexual abuse and exploitation, emotional abuse, economic or financial abuse and spiritual abuse.

Abuse can occur in all age, racial, economic, educational, occupational, faith groups.

For many women, pregnancy marks the beginning of abuse in an intimate relationship. Women who are abused during pregnancy are four times as likely as other abused women to say they experienced very serious violence (beating, choking, gun/knife threats, sexual assault).

Over half of all female murder victims are killed by their intimate partners.

Abuse & violence in an intimate relationship doesn't happen “just once.” Abuse happens over months & years. When abuse continues, it usually becomes more frequent & severe.   » Read more

Safety Plan

The basic elements of a safety plan are:

• Always have extra money in case you have to call a taxi or make a phone call.
• Tell people you trust that you are in an abusive relationship.
• Make up a “code word” with children, family, and friends, so they know when to call for help.
• Keep a written record of the abuse.
• Plan where you can go if you need to leave in a hurry.
• Memorize emergency numbers.
• Make a copy of important documents and leave with a friend.

» CLICK HERE    For a detailed Safety Plan for women
» CLICK HERE    For a detailed Safety Plan for children