Are You a Victim?

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Is Someone You Love Hurting You?

GET HELP — We have a list of phone numbers and websites of organizations that are ready and equipped to help

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

• You are ridiculed, put down, made fun of, or belittled.
• You are not free to come and go as you wish.
• Your possessions are damaged.
• You are verbally attacked or accused.
• You are spied on, followed or harassed.
• You or your children are emotionally deprived.
• You are isolated from family and friends.
• You are forced to have sex against your will.
• You are refused help when you are sick or injured.
• Your finances are restricted.
• You are left in a dangerous place.
• You are pushed, shoved, slapped, kicked, strangled or threatened with a weapon.

What You Can Do To Help Protect Yourself and Your Children

1. Call 911 if you are in danger or need help.
2. If you are injured, go to a hospital emergency room or doctor and report what happened to you. Ask that they take photos and document your visit in writing.
3. Know where you can go for help and tell someone what is happening to you. Have the phone numbers of friends, relatives, and domestic violence programs with you.
4. Plan with your children and identify a safe place for them: a room with a lock or a neighbor's house where they can go for help. Reassure them their job is to stay safe, not to protect you.
5. Arrange a signal with a trustworthy neighbor (for example, if the porch light is on during the day, call the police).
6. Keep any evidence of physical abuse (ripped clothes, photos of bruises, injuries, etc.).
7. Keep important items with someone you trust:
   • Spare set of keys
   • Some money
   • Prescriptions
   • Birth certificates
   • Driver's license
   • Set of clothes
   • Immunization records
   • Passports
   • Checkbook
   • Social Security card
   • Insurance papers
   • Food stamps
8. Plan the safest time to get away
9. Contact a shelter to find out about laws and other resources available to help you before you have to use them. A shelter can help you plan ways to protect yourself and your children.