Following is advice from the state agency that funds shelters and women’s health centers across Pennsylvania:
Most victims of domestic violence are women. They come from all backgrounds and neighborhoods. Domestic violence occurs within a family or intimate relationship as a way to control another person.
Victims suffer physical injuries, live in fear in their homes, and lose power over their lives.
Domestic violence includes:
Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, shoving, kicking, punching, burning, choking, not allowing you to leave home, using objects to cause injury (guns, knives, baseball bats, etc.).
Mental abuse: Threats, telling you what you can or cannot do, name calling, put-downs.
Sexual abuse: Rape, unwanted touching, forcing sexual acts, refusing to practice safe sex.
Property or economic abuse: Stealing or destroying personal belongings, hurting pets, taking money, withholding basic needs such as food and clothing, not allowing you to work.
If any of this is happening to you, you may be a battered woman. Leaving a violent relationship isn’t easy. Women may stay because of money, family pressures, concern for their children, fear of or feelings for their abusers.
Getting help
Whether you leave or stay, you can get free help and information from domestic-violence programs. These are some tips in case violence takes place:
• Make a list of important phone numbers (police, domestic violence program hotline,and hospital.)
• Have an emergency kit with money, food stamps, medical cards, checkbook, spare car keys, birth certificates and other I.D., pay stubs, medicine and children’s toys.
• List phone numbers of people who can offer shelter, rides and money. Ask family, friends and others for help.
• If there is violence, call 911 or have someone else call. Grab your emergency kit, if you can.
• At a shelter or help center, you will find other forms of assistance, such as legal counseling and ways to seek future protection.
Source: Pennsylvania Coaliton Against Domestic Violence.
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