Domestic abuse includes:
- physical violence
- intimidation
- humilation
- threats
- isolation from family or friends
- financial restrictions
- forcing another into immoral acts
In non-violent situations, seek counseling to avoid falling into lifelong patterns of abuse.
If a situation is physically abusive and/or violent, victims (and their children) need to get out of the situation quickly and safely. In an emergency, don't hesitate--call 911.
If possible, plan an escape. Gather important items such as clothing, keys, medicine, money, social security cards, licenses, birth records, passports, green cards, credit cards, and bank books. Hide these items where they can be easily retrieved. Stay with friends or family. Victtims with children should avoid living situations that could jeopardize getting legal custody of the children.
File for a (free) Personal Protection Order (PPO) at the Circuit Court. Go to court and file for legal custody of children. Contact the agencies below for assistance.
Violence is rarely an isolated incident. Abusers often apologize after an incident and promise to change. There may be a period of calm before the cycle of violence begins again.
Break the cycle. Get out. Get to safety.