women s health issues
Domestic Violence
Management of Domestic Violence
Developing a safety plan Seeking help when needed Abuse is never justified. Support is available whether victims decide to stay in or leave the abusive relationship. In cases of domestic violence, the most important consideration is safety. If possible, during a violent incident, victims should try to move away from areas in which they can be trapped or in which the perpetrator can obtain weapons, such as knives in the kitchen. If possible, victims should promptly call 911 or the police and leave the residence. Victims should have any injuries treated and documented with photographs. Victims should teach their children not to get in the middle of a fight and when and how to call for help. Developing asafety planis extremely important. It should include Where to go for help (victims should have several possible places to go and people who can be called) How to get away (often including appearing to do a routine task that involves leaving the house, such as going on an errand or walking the dog) How to access money (including hiding money away and obtaining a separate bank account and, if possible, credit card) Victims should also make and hide copies of official documents (such as children’s birth certificates, social security cards, insurance cards, and bank account numbers). They should keep an overnight bag packed and hidden in case they need to leave quickly. Sometimes the only solution is to leave the abusive relationship permanently because domestic violence tends to continue, especially among very aggressive perpetrators. Also, even when physical abuse decreases, psychologic abuse may persist. The decision to leave is not simple or easy. Often, victims feel unable to leave an abusive relationship for many reasons, including being afraid of what the perpetrator will do after they leave and being dependent on the perpetrator for money. After the perpetrator knows the victim has decided to leave, the victim’s risk of serious harm and death may be greatest. At this time, victims should take additional steps to protect themselves and their children. For example, they can obtain a restraining or protection order, although such an order does not guarantee safety. Help is available through shelters for battered women, support groups, the courts, and a national hotline (1-800-799-SAFE or, for TTY, 1-800-787-3224). TheNational Domestic Violence Helplinealso has chat options if the victim is unable to speak safely. Victims should seek such help even if abuse is not severe. Seeking such help does not necessarily cause trouble for the partner. Information aboutusing technology safelyis available online. 