Get Help-Have a Safety Plan
Many men hit their partners. It’s called “abuse” or “domestic violence”. It’s against the law.
A man can abuse you in many ways.
- He might slap, kick, or push you.
- He might throw things.
- He might shout, use threats or call you names.
- He might force you to have sex.
If you’re with a man who hurts you like this, you can have a safety plan.
Be ready to leave. You can plan ahead.
- Pack a bag. Pack clothes, money or a checkbook and important papers.
- Keep the bag in a safe place. Keep it with a friend or family member.
- Write down phone numbers for the police, a shelter, relatives or friends. Keep numbers where you can find them.
Find a safe place. You need someplace to go if your home isn’t safe.
- Go to a friend or family member’s home.
- Go to a shelter. Call the National Domestic Violence Hot-line at 1-800-799-7233. Ask where the closest shelter is. Avalon Center offers a safe and confidential shelter. Our 24-hour crisis line is 1-800-641-3434.
- Go to a motel or hotel. Save enough money to pay for 1 night.
Plan how to leave. think about how you will go.
- Will you leave by car? Keep the keys where you can find them. Put extra car keys in a safe place. Keep gas in the car.
- Will you take a bus or a taxi? Know where the station is or the number to call. Have money for your fare.
- Will you get a ride from a friend? Know who you can call.
- Will you leave on foot? Think about where you will go.
Talk to your kids. If you have children, talk to them.
- Tell them the abuse is not their fault.
- Tell them to stay out of the fighting.
- Teach them to call 9-1-1 or go to a neighbor for help.
- Teach them to know what to do when the fighting starts.
It’s not your fault. It’s hard to make a plan to be safe if you think the abuse is your fault.
- Abuse isn’t normal. You deserve to be safe.
- It’s not your job to stop the abuse. You can’t.
- The abuse will get worse if you don’t get help.
- Don’t listen to people who sat the abuse is your fault. No one ever deserves to be hurt.