FAMILY VIOLENCE
I would like to be safe and
remain in my relationship.
If you decide that you want to stay in your current
relationship and still remain safe, it is important for you to know
that the violence is likely to continue. However, there are several
steps you can take to increase the safety of you and your children.
First, you should develop a safety
plan. You can do this by clicking here
for a sample plan to complete on your own.
Or, you can call a hotline and have a counselor assist
you.
Most importantly, you want to be sure to keep copies
of important documents, such as birth certificates, passports etc.
with a trusted friend, co-worker, or in a place you can easily access,
away from the home.
It is good if you can also include spare house and
car keys and some money for an emergency.
Assist your children in making a safety
plan of their own.
Talk with a friend or family member who can provide you with a
place to stay if you do need to leave the house.
If your partner does become abusive, you should first try to get
out of the house and call for help. If you are unable to do this,
then avoid areas like the kitchen, bathroom and garage. These places
have hard surfaces that could hurt you if you are pushed. They are
also more likely to have things that can be used as weapons.
Call a hotline and arrange to start counseling so that you will
have some outside support.
If your partner agrees to go to counseling, you should insist that
he/she attend a batterer's intervention program through Lifeworks
512-478-1648. Couples counseling is NOT recommended because things
discussed in counseling may be used against you by your partner.
Finally, trust your instincts. If you feel fearful or believe that
something is going to happen, you are probably right. It is better
to get yourself and your children out of the house and to a safe
place before a violent episode occurs.
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