What is Domestic Violence? How Do I Get Out?

Have you ever wondered just what domestic violence is? Have you ever been asked, “Why don’t you just leave?” Maybe you are currently a victim of domestic or intimate partner violence, and wonder what options you have. It was not easy, but I managed to escape domestic violence. Let’s try to answer some questions in this post.

Domestic violence includes behavior like pushing, grabbing, poking, pinching, hitting, punching and threats to harm. It includes being attacked in any unwanted way. Persons who may be included in domestic violence cases are:

Husband or wife

Boyfriend or girlfriend

Parent of your child

Family member

Someone you have lived with as if in the same family

If you have been forced to do something sexual that you didn’t want to do or if you have been kept from food, medicine or a doctor’s care, you are a victim of domestic violence. It is not your fault. The abuser is responsible. There is someone who will listen and support you and your decisions. There are steps you can take to help end the abuse.

If you are presently involved in domestic or intimate partner violence, some of your options are:

Call the police in an emergency

File a police report about the violence

Call the domestic violence hotline to talk, get information or ideas, find a shelter or make a safety or escape plan.

Have the abuser ordered by the court to stay away from you by getting an Injunction for Protection.

See a doctor for injuries (and consider having him/her write down what caused the injuries).

Talk to a friend, family member, neighbor or someone else for support and ASK FOR HELP. Call the NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 1-800-799-7233

If you are interested in receiving literature, please go to my website at the Contact Us tab, make your request, and a PDF will be downloaded and emailed to you. Be sure to visit the Victim Support page while you are there.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Don’t forget to put on the purple!!

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The dedicated staff at ABC Action News (WFTS Tampa Bay area) works year-round to bring domestic violence awareness to the forefront. They are covering National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I’ll be appearing on the 5:00 p.m. news on Wednesday, October 6. You can watch via internet at their website.