Getting help in Austin, Texas

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.