What can I do if I my partner is violent toward me?

1. Call the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-723-3014.

You are not alone. One in every four women will experience violence from a partner in her lifetime. There are options for you. Highly trained professionals talk to thousands of women in Philadelphia each year and can give you free, confidential and anonymous counseling that is specific to your situations. They are available 24/7 at the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline.

Always call 911 in the event of an emergency or if your safety is in immediate danger.

 

2. Create a safety plan. Plan in advance.

If you are in or are planning to leave a violent relationship, it is important to make a safety plan first. You should also talk to someone you trust about your plan. If you do not have someone you can trust, you always can call the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-SAFE-014 to talk to one of the crisis intervention counselors.

• Know where you can get help. Keep a list of important phone numbers (police, domestic violence hotline, hospital).
• Plan with your children. Identify a safe place for them (room with a lock, neighbor’s house). Let them know that their job is to stay safe; not to protect you.
• Arrange a signal with a neighbor for when you need help.
• Prepare an emergency kit that you can get to quickly. You may want to keep it at a trusted friend’s/neighbor’s house. Be sure to include:
  
  
  • an extra set of car and house keys
  • money, food stamps, checkbook, credit card(s), pay stubs
  • birth certificates and other ID for you and your children
  • driver's license or other photo identification
  • social security card or green card/work permit
  • health insurance cards, medications for you and your children
  • deed or lease to your house or apartment
  • any court papers or orders
  • change of clothes for you and your children
  • plan the safest time to get away, figuring out how you will leave and which doors or windows you will use

3. Know what local resources are at your service.

Visit womenagainstabuse.org for more information about hotlines, shelter, counseling and other services that are available.

 

What can I do for a friend?

If someone you know is may being abused by their partner, you can call the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-723-3014 to talk about your concerns.
We have knowledgeable counselors waiting to talk to you, and all calls are kept confidential.
A few Tips:

• Remember that leaving an abusive situation can be scary and dangerous. Don’t pressure decisions, and don’t ask blaming questions like: “Why don’t you just break up with him/her?”
• Be patient and always offer a listening ear.
• Encouraging them to call the toll-free and confidential Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-SAFE-014 (1-866-723-3014).
• Suggesting that they file a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order.
• Helping them draft a safety plan which includes getting and keeping a copy of the Protection From Abuse Order, developing a safety route and leaving money, an extra set of keys, clothes and important papers with a friend.

You can also help by supporting your local domestic violence agency.

 

What are the signs?

It can be difficult to acknowledge that you or someone you care about is in an abusive relationship. Domestic violence does not always look the same, but there are some warning signs that may indicate you are in an unhealthy relationship. Take a few minutes to answer these questions:

• Does your partner insult you in public or in front of your children?
• Does your partner treat you like you are stupid or call you names?
• Does your partner try to control what you do?
• Does your partner act really jealous of your friends or family?
• Does your partner blame you for his/her violence?
• Has your partner ever threatened to hurt you or him/herself if the relationship ends?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, it is important for you to get help. Call the 24-Hour Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-SAFE-014 before the cycle of violence gets worse.

 

 

Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-866- 723-3014

For crisis intervention, safety planning, resources and emergency shelter in-take 24-hours.

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-7233

www.ndvh.org

For crisis intervention and r