If you are abused or have a loved one who is abused, get help. Learn how to minimize your risk of becoming a victim of sexual assault or abuse before you find yourself in an uncomfortable or threatening situation. Find a state-by-state list of places to get help at http://www.4woman.gov/violence/state.cfm. Other things you can do include:
Leave immediately if you or your children are in danger! Call a crisis hotline or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE or TDD 800-787-3224, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English, Spanish, and other languages. It can give you the phone numbers of local hotlines and other resources.
Understand that you're not alone. Many women are victims of domestic abuse.
Don't ignore it or wait for it to go away. It won't go away.
Don't keep it to yourself. Get help. Talk with someone: a family member, friend, colleague, or faith counselor.
If you've been hurt, get medical attention and call the police. Abuse is a crime. The police can help you find information about shelters.
Make plans for what you will do if you're attacked again.
If you decide to leave, choose a place to go and set aside some money. Put important papers - marriage license, birth certificates, checkbook, and irreplaceable papers and items - in a place where you can get them quickly.
Contact your family court for information about getting a civil protection order.
Last updated: March, 2003