FAMILY VIOLENCE
I am a victim. What can I
do?
As the victim in a violent relationship, it is important
for you to know that you have taken a powerful first step by seeking
out the information on this website.
You are not alone, although it is likely that you
feel this way.
Be assured that emotional, physical, and other kinds
of support are just a phone call away.
While each person's situation is different, your safety
is of primary importance. The first thing to do is to create a safety
plan.
A safety plan is
important whether you are leaving tbe abuser or staying with him/her.
You can either call a counselor at one of the following
hotlines:
SafePlace:
512-928-9070
NDVH:
1-800- 799-SAFE (799-5233)
Or you can contact a counselor at the
FVPT during
business hours:
512-974-8535.
To find out what a counselor can do
for you, click here.
You can talk with a counselor on the phone or in person.
The counselor will assist you in developing a plan to increase your
physical and emotional safety.
If you would prefer to work on the plan without a
counselor, a sample safey plan is
available by clicking here.
Along with completing a safety plan, it is vital that
you give yourself permission to come out of isolation and talk with
others.
The abuse is NOT your fault.
But it is likely that the abuser has convinced you
that you deserve to be abused or that you provoke him/her.
You may also be in a situation where you feel you
have exhausted your support network of family and friends.
These people may act frustrated or even angry with
your for not leaving the situation. Or, perhaps you have tried leaving
several times, and it feels like they have lost faith in you.
It is not uncommon for this to happen and you may
need to seek other support for the time being.
Talking with a counselor can help you get started.
In addition, Safe Place offers group counseling free
of charge.
It's ok if you don't feel ready to be in a group or
to meet with a counselor in person... you always have the option
of calling the hotline anonymously or even reaching out to a trusted
friend.
You can:
1. Find a book to read for more information.
2. Keep a journal. Expressing yourself through writing
can be very therapeutic.
3. Talk to your doctor, pastor, rabbi, etc. - until
you find someone who will listen. Beware of people who tell you
that you must stay in the relationship and endure the pain quietly
- that is not a healthy option for you.
4. Apply for a Protective
Order/Seek legal advice.
5. Check out the rest of our website for more information.
My family is experiencing violence
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Legal Services Links:
Travis
County Attorney's Office
Travis
County District Attorney's Office
Legal Aid of Central Texas
Women's
Advocacy Project
Social Services Links:
APD Victim
Services
TCSO Victim
Services
SafePlace: Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault Survival Center
Austin Child Guidance
Center
Additional Resources:
Domestic
Violence Hotlines and Resources
National Domestic Violence
Hotline
Violence Against Women
Office
Violence
Agaianst Men and Women
Family Violence Awareness
Page
Husband Battering
Child Abuse:
National Clearinghouse
on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
Prevent
Child Abuse America
National
Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Abuse
Yellow Pages
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