Need Help?
To protect yourself from a dangerous situation you need a
safety plan and critical contact numbers (hotlines safe houses,
police). Emergency resource links for domestic violence survivors
are provided below.
www.NDVL.org
www.ncadv.org
www.dvsheltertour.org
www.nyc.gov/domestic
Are You a Victim of Domestic Violence?
REMEMBER:
- It is not your fault
- No one has the right to abuse you
- Help is available
- You are not alone
Domestic violence is a serious crime, which often results in
serious injury and even death. In the United States, battering
is the major cause of injury to women aged 14-45, causing more
injuries than auto accidents, muggings and rapes combined. One
fifth of reported domestic violence assaults involved the use
of a weapon. One half of reported domestic violence assaults
result in serious bodily injury. In addition, almost 25% of
pregnant women seeking prenatal care have been battered during
pregnancy. Women are significantly more likely than men to be
killed by an intimate partner. Of all female victims of homicide
in the U.S., 30% are killed by husbands or boyfriends, a total
of almost 1,400 women each year. In contrast, 4% of men are
killed by intimates. (Finding safety and support-Domestic Violence,
New York State office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence,
1996, 2000).
Only you know when it's safe to share your situation or when
you can ask for help. Keep in mind that your friends, may have
your best interest in mind, but may not provide you with the
best solution.
Safety Plan
If you decide to remain in your home.
Suggestions:
- Identify people and places that you can receive help,
i.e. the police, your church, hospital, school, your friend,
neighbor, etc.
- Teach children what to do, i.e. contact number of family
members.
- Have children memorize important telephone numbers.
- Program your telephone with emergency numbers, i.e., police,
neighbor, family member, and/or a friend.
- Ask a neighbor to contact the Police if they hear fighting
or screaming.
- Teach children various codes that they would use if you
need them to make telephone calls to obtain assistance.
If you're planning to leave your partner or have already left,
be aware that batterers are often more violent during times
of separation, increasing your risk for harm, including serious
and life threatening injury. Making a separation safety plan
can help reduce the risks to you and your children. (NYSCPDV-
1996-2000)
If you decide to leave home, have important papers/documents,
keys and money where they can easily be obtained.
- Practice how to get out safely. What stairwells, elevators,
doors, fire escapes, would you use?
- Where would you go if you decide to leave your home? Make
a list of places you can go, i.e. domestic violence program,
family member, friend, etc
- Leave extra clothes for self and children, a set of keys,
copies of papers and documents with someone you can trust.
- Keep change for phone calls and important telephone numbers
with you at all times.
Items to Take When Leaving :
- Birth Certificate for self and children
- Identification
- Social Security Numbers for self and children
- Children's school/vaccination records.
- Keys for house/car.
- Public Assistance ID/Medicaid/Insurance cards
- Medication for self and children
- House deed, lease, and rental agreements.
- Bank book, checkbook, ATM card, money, Tax returns.
- Drivers License/care registration
- Insurance papers
- Work Permit, Greencard, Passport
Remember No One Deserves To Be Abused.
- Help is available
- Get Help - -
You will be provided with information, referrals, crisis
counseling and/or a safe place.
- Immediate Danger - Call 911
- The Urban Resource Institute 24 hour Domestic Violence Hotlines
Urban Women's Retreat 1-212- 690-6490
Urban Women's New Beginnings 1-212-491-0023
Urban Women's Safe Haven 1-718- 421-4025
Other 24 hour Hotlines
NYC 24 hour hotline 1-800-621-HOPE
For the Hearing Impaired -TTY 1-800-810-7444
NYS 24 hour Hotline 1-800-942-6906
National DV Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7235)
Or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
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