| Help Stop Domestic Violence!!! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Some facts on domestic violence | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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In 1998 alone, there were over 4 million reports from women who had been beaten by an intimate, male partner. According to the FBI, domestic violence claims the lives of four women each day. It is estimated that 1 out of every 15 women suffered from some form of violence, 2/3 of these women were victimized by a male husband, friend, or boyfriend. These estimates, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, are extremely low. This is due to the fact that most women who are victimized by an intimate partner do not file a report with authorities, nor do they try and contact any organizations that might provide them with protection and caring support. There are various reasons why some women do not report domestic violence. Fear, embarrassment, and possible retaliation from the abuser are some of these reasons. This web site has been created to not only throw out disturbing statistics, but also to maybe educate a few people and offer some suggestions for getting women help should they be involved in a violent relationship. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seek HELP!!!! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This web site was not created to give people a bunch of statistics on domestic violence. It was created to give victims of this violence a chance to reach someone who can help them help themselves and to get that woman out of the relationship. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Steps For Escape | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Give yourself as much time as possible. If you have to leave now, then leave while you can. Your own safety and/or your kids safety is first priority. Otherwise wait for a more opportune moment. But if you have time then use it. | Have a plan & keep your plan safe. If you write it out know where it is or keep it with you at all times. You want to keep it as discreet as possible. Know the number of the nearest women's shelter.Write it down or memorize it. A complete listing for the entire State of Ohio can be found here. Other State of Ohio resources can be found here. If you live a distance from one of these shelters, take that into consideration when you plan your departure. Consider calling ahead to meet someone you trust to let them know when you'll be leaving. Get informed about resources available to you. Do it now. Don't wait until after another violent episode happens when you may be hurt or highly stressed out. If things are calm enough now for you to be reading this on a computer, this would be a good time. Apply for a credit card and/or open a bank account in your name. You will need some kind of access to money and it has to be yours alone. Plan ahead for this. If you have a joint account with your abusing partner don't depend on that. He could transfer it somewhere else or if you withdraw from it first he could get suspicious. Remember, be as discreet as you can. Get a post office box and have your mail forwarded there Get to know your area well. Plan different escape routes. When you leave you may be followed. You may have to do some evasive driving. Where will you be going? Keep in mind your abuser will look in the obvious places; friends, relatives, etc. Avoid them if possible. He also may have buddies to help him look for you. If those are the only alternatives, don't stay too long. Get those folks in on your plan ahead of time.They may have ideas of their own to help you with your plan. Make sure you can trust them. This is important. You'll be vulnerable at this point and you don't want anyone to betray you. If nothing else, book a motel room and notify the police if you are threatened. If you know you'll be on your own for a while bring necessities; an extra change of clothes, personal items, food. Also, any documents you think you may need. If you will be on the road for long, make sure your car in shape. Get it checked out; oil changed, belts, hoses, tires, etc. If you will have kids with you, bring something along to keep them occupied. Also take along the their birth certificates for identification. New schools may require this and getting copies can some times be a hassle. (Thanks, Jenny!) If there are any weapons in the house TRY TO GET RID OF THEM, GET RID OF THEM, GET RID OF THEM!!!! Your life may depend on it! Don't leave any notes behind! Don't leave anything behind that could possibly tell where you have gone. Leave no explanation. He probably knows why you're gone, anyway. When the time seems right DO IT!!-GO, GO, GO!! This was taken from Kathy L. Cawthon's book, "Getting Out, An Escape Manual For Abused Women"
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