Domestic Violence: What Are My Options?
There are many different types of abuse that can take place in a relationship, including physical, emotional, verbal, social, financial, sexual, and more. While domestic violence is usually thought of as primarily physical abuse, it actually encompasses all of these different types of abuse.
Unfortunately, abusive relationships occur far too frequently in our country, with over 10 million individuals who are victims of domestic violence and abuse in the United States each year. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men are victims of domestic violence and abuse. If you or someone you know believe you are being abused in any way, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or contact us at Life Forward to receive help.
However, it’s not always easy to know how to get out of an abusive relationship. One of the most important parts of figuring out how to handle situations of domestic violence is to first know the signs of domestic violence. Understanding what type of behavior is actually abusive is the first step in leaving the situation and preventing further abuse.
The next step is realizing that it’s not your fault. These abusive actions you are suffering from are not normal and are not deserved. Even when couples argue, disagree, and make mistakes, the individuals should still always treat each other with respect and love, and try to work through things together. When someone abuses you, they are not acting out of love or care.
At Life Forward, we have experienced Client Educators who are trained, willing to listen, and provide a safe and neutral environment to help you with whatever you need. This includes providing support if you are suffering from domestic violence or any other form of abuse. We want you to feel heard and understood as you share intimate thoughts and feelings. We also have a team of medical professionals focusing on women’s health and well-being that you can talk to and ask questions regarding your body and your reproductive health. Please reach out to Life Forward to get started today!
In this article, we’ll share some of the options for how you can handle situations of domestic violence and abuse.
What Options Do Domestic Violence Victims Have?
There are several different courses of action that domestic violence victims can take after determining that they are in an abusive relationship:
Leave the Situation - One of the main options you have as a victim of domestic abuse is to leave the situation. However, that is easier said than done. There are many barriers that make leaving abusive situations difficult, including any children you have with the abuser, finances, needing a safe place to go, and more. If you are trying to leave your abusive situation, you’ll want to make an escape plan so you can get away safely and not be caught by your abuser. Here are some of the most important steps to think about when making an escape plan:
Identify a safe family member, friend, or neighbor who can help you when you need it. Talk to several people to build a safety network with multiple options. Consider using a code word so they understand what is happening without your abuser finding out.
Identify safe places to go. Work with the people in your safety network to find the best places for you to go when you leave. This could be one of their homes, a shelter, or anywhere else where your abuser wouldn’t be able to find you.
Keep an alternate cell phone. Using a “burner” phone is a good idea so your abuser can’t track your number. Have numbers, addresses, contacts, and anything else you need memorized for when you need them.
Keep copies of all important documents and other necessary information you may need on a thumb drive so you can take it at a moment’s notice.
Make a packing list of all the things you will need if you have to leave quickly. Some of the most important things include money, credit cards, medicine, your birth certificate, passport, health insurance cards, financial records, tax information, other valuables, and more.
Plan your transportation. Plan ahead for how you will actually leave your home. Consider making a second set of keys for your car and hiding them. Or make a plan with someone in your safety network to get picked up at a specific location at a certain time. You want to be able to get out when you are ready to leave.
Take any evidence of abuse or violence that you can so you can prove to authorities that you have been abused and are in danger. These will also be useful if you seek legal help, like for a divorce or restraining order.
Get Support - Another option for victims of domestic violence is to get support. This involves your safety network made up of friends and family members, but it also involves utilizing domestic violence resources, like finding local domestic violence shelters, domestic violence organizations, domestic violence support groups, and more. These different options can help provide you with the support and resources you need during and after your domestic abuse, and can even help you as you plan to escape your situation. Additionally, they can help you rebuild your life after you’ve escaped your abusive situation by helping you find transitional housing, get legal assistance, get a job and support yourself, and more.
Talk To Emergency Services or the Police - Domestic violence victims can also seek help by contacting emergency services or the police. One of the main options for getting help is the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which you can call at 1-800-799-7233. If your situation is dire or you are in immediate danger, you should call 9-1-1 and have the police respond immediately in order to protect yourself.
Take Legal Action - Domestic violence laws vary depending on what state you live in, but once you’ve left your abusive situation and want to guarantee your safety moving forward, you may want to take legal action. This can include filing for divorce if you are married, getting a domestic violence restraining order, or even working to put your abuser in jail. Many victims don’t take legal action due to the costs associated with it, but many domestic violence organizations can assist victims with legal fees.
If you are experiencing any of the signs of domestic violence or abuse, you should seek help immediately. Life Forward has trained professionals who can provide support and help you if you are a victim of any type of abuse. Additionally, we can refer you to other community resources that can help you get out of your situation and move forward safely. Reach out to us today to learn more!
How Life Forward Can Help
At Life Forward, we are here to help women in the Cincinnati area who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. In addition to consultations, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds, we offer other educational and supportive services—as well as referrals to other community resources—at no cost to you.
Our staff of trained Client Educators and medical professionals will assist you and connect you to the resources and help you need. These resources can help you be more prepared during your pregnancy and make the best decision for yourself. Learn more about the services we offer or contact us at 513.961.7777 to schedule an appointment today!