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WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?

Domestic Violence is a pattern of physical, emotional, and coerced behaviors that one family member uses to exercise power and control over another. Most perpetrators of abuse and battering are a spouse, ex-spouse, boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or lover. Most often victims of abuse are women and children although men are abused also. The abuse can be physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, financial and psychological.

Types of abuse include

Facts and Figures - Educating yourself about domestic violence can often be the first step of ending the cycle of abuse in a relationship.

* What is domestic violence? - Types of Abuse
* The anatomy and progress of an abusive relationship
* Cycle of Violence - Limitations to the Cycle of Violence
* Power and Control Wheel
* Why do partners batter?
* Why do victims stay?
* Treatment for batterers
* Myths and realities of domestic violence
* Statistics on partner violence

Safety Planning - It will help you and your children to be safe if you develop a plan for your safety ahead of time. The design of a safety plan is an ongoing process. It is a good idea to review it periodically and keep it in a safe place where your abuser is not likely to find it. If you need help creating your personal safety plan contact WomenSafe, a trusted friend or another survivor of abuse.

1. Identify a variety of way to get out of your home safely and practice your escape methods. Helpful hints: During an explosive incident, try to stay in a room with access to an exit * Try to sit in a room with a phone to call 911 * Inform law enforcement if weapons are in the home
2. Pack a bag with medications, important documents, money, keys , etc. and hide it.
3. Arrange a signal with neighbors to let them know when you need help
4. Devise a code word to use with your children, grandchildren, friends, or others to indicate that you need the police
5. Plan where you will go if you have to leave (even if you don't think you will need to).

CHILDREN WHO LIVE WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The effects of domestic violence on children are severe and enduring. It is important to allow your children to talk openly about their feelings and concerns when the abuser's behavior is discussed. Children often:

WHAT TO TAKE IF YOU LEAVE

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

DOCUMENT ABUSE:

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP...

Legal Options - Domestic violence is a crime. There are many options for victims to take legal action against their perpetrator in order to take control of their life. Legal options and court proceedings can become overwhelming for victims in crisis. WomenSafe offers court advocacy on behalf of victims of domestic violence.

* Ohio victim's rights
* Criminal and civil law
* How to obtain a civil protection order
* Stalking
* Legal services
* Options for ending your marriage

Disclaimer:

While domestic violence perpetrators are male and female, in the majority of cases, 95 percent, the perpetrator is a male and the victim is female. Therefore, for the purposes of clarity in the following information the pronouns he/she will refer to the batterers/victims, respectively. All information references heterosexual couples, however WomenSafe recognizes violence can occur in all relationships. WomenSafe offers all services to victims of domestic violence regardless of gender, sexual orientation and to federal victims of crime.