Love Shouldn’t Hurt
When a person close to you hurts you, it is called domestic violence or abuse. Sometimes it’s called battering.
It is not easy to break out of this pattern. But you deserve to be safe and have a better life.
More than hitting
Many people think abuse is only hitting. It’s abuse if the person:
Forces you to have sex when you don’t want to
Says he will take your children away if you try to leave
Blames you for his abuse
Keeps money from you and makes you get an OK from him to do things
Breaks things to scare you
Keeps you away from family, friends or work
Insults you
Follows you or calls you on the phone to know where you are at all times
Abuse is harmful
Abuse harms you and your children. It is common for the abuser to say he is sorry and promise to stop. He needs help, too, and can’t stop by himself. It’s more likely that the abuse will get worse.
Need Help?
Abuse is against the law. If you or someone you know is being abused, here's how to get help:
- Call 911 if you are in danger.
- Talk to someone you trust, like your minister or doctor. Ask that person to help you find a counselor.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline® at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224. The hotline can tell you places to go where no one can find you, and it can help you make a plan to stay safe.
- Click onto any of these sites for more information:
- www.endabuse.org
- www.ndvh.org
- Keystone Mercy
Publication Source:
Medicaid/Winter 2006
Author:
Deden, Sandra
Online Source:
National Domestic Violence Hotlinehttp://www.ndvh.org/
© 2000-2012 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.