Domestic Violence Help
You are not alone
Dear Friend,
Maybe you have known the fear and despair of living in an abusive relationship; the anxiety of never knowing when something you say or do will trigger the scorching verbal vomit or violence within him. You are afraid to confide in anyone else because he has warned you not to tell anyone what goes on inside the four walls of your home.
You are afraid that even if you did go to your pastor or a counselor, they would not believe you because your husband is a smooth talker who can make you sound like a fool, or he may be a respected leader in the church.
You wish you had wings so you could fly away to a safe place where you would be free from hurt. Take heart--there is help available to you, and there is hope. People care, and most of all, God cares. You are important! You are valuable!
Shocking Statistics
- Over 30% (some estimate over 50%) of all murders of women in America are committed by intimate partners.
- Up to 6 million women are believed to be beaten in their homes each year. Four million incidents are reported. Up to 90% of battered women never report their abuse.
- On the average, a woman is battered in the United States by a partner every twelve to fifteen seconds!
- 50% of all homeless women and children in America are fleeing domestic violence.
- 50-70% of men who abuse their partners also abuse children in the home.
- The average batterer is held less than 2 hours, and less than 1% serve any jail time.
Power and Control - Weapons of an Abuser
Learn about how an abuser wields power over his victim. Not all abusers use physical violence (at first), but when their manipulative tactics are no longer effective, many abusers resort to physical violence to instill fear and regain control.
Developing A Safety Plan
If you are in an abusive relationship, you should develop a safety plan for yourself and your children. Follow the steps listed in this plan before you are attacked, so you will be prepared to flee at a moment's notice.
When you are attacked, press charges and get a restraining order. Do not protect the abuser!
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