| There is a generation of children growing up believing | | | | situation and the |
| that it is okay to hurt others this way and that is our | | | | importance of protecting the victims.There are many |
| problem as an intelligent society to look at and try to | | | | services available to help families struggling with |
| fix. We are all responsible for our own actions but | | | | domestic violence. Always remember safety comes |
| when children grow up with a distorted sense of | | | | first. Financial options, safe housing, and relocation |
| what a relationship is we have to show them that | | | | options are usually available with a shelter |
| there is a better way to live.If your spouse, intimate | | | | recommendation.There are also domestic violence |
| partner, or date uses physical violence, threats, | | | | counseling services available from social service |
| emotional abuse, harassment, or stalking to control | | | | agencies. Check your local phone directory for listings |
| the behavior of partners, they are committing | | | | of government services for battered |
| domestic violence.Some men are victims of domestic | | | | women.Domestic violence is a crime that affects us |
| violence but most are women. Anyone who | | | | all. We all need to be aware of the consequences of |
| witnesses domestic violence are also victims. The | | | | it. At home and in our schools, the evidence is there. |
| children are the ones who are affected the most; | | | | It might not be in your family but you can bet your |
| they will also suffer from behavioral and cognitive | | | | child goes to school with somebody who's parent is |
| problems.They are likely to be aggressive if they are | | | | being assaulted physically, emotionally or mentally by |
| a witness to domestic violence. Statistics are showing | | | | somebody they love.The courts are overflowing with |
| that some boys and girls engage in criminal behavior if | | | | an increasing number of cases that directly relate to |
| they grow up in homes | | | | domestic violence. Our children suffer with low |
| where abusive behavior exists.There is a greater | | | | self-esteem, self-worth, and lack of relationship |
| possibility that they will also have violent relationships | | | | skills.For most women their standard of living is |
| when they are adults. If you, a relative, a friend, or a | | | | affected. Some go from mansions to a hole in the |
| neighbor is living in a domestic abuse situation, think | | | | wall just to feel safe. These women are hardest hit I |
| about developing a safety plan. Start with the little | | | | believe and sometimes go back to their abuser |
| things like a spare set of keys, phone numbers, birth | | | | because of finances and the kids say that it was |
| certificates, passports, bankbooks, and insurance or | | | | that bad. Some women that don't go back are unable |
| mortgage papers in a safe place only known to | | | | to trust and their ability to form a loving partnership |
| you.Most of the time that will be with a trusted | | | | with another individual is hindered. The companies |
| friend or relative. Plan the best way to get out of | | | | that hire these men and women suffer, by a loss of |
| your home quickly and safely. You should always | | | | employee productivity and absenteeism.There are |
| have this in place if a battering incident begins. If you | | | | times when going to work is the only reprieve for |
| have to leave your home, you should have the | | | | some though. If you know of somebody at your |
| names and phone numbers of shelters, safe houses, | | | | place of work that is abusive or involved in a |
| or a trusted friend.If you are being battered or you | | | | domestic violent relationship don't say it's not my |
| know that a spouse or intimate partner is battering | | | | problem ask them discreetly if they would like to talk |
| their partner call the police right away for help, if you | | | | about it and have a number for the local shelter |
| can get to a phone safely. Don't be afraid to ask for | | | | handy.We are all responsible for the next generation |
| immediate help. Domestic violence is a crime, not a " | | | | and it is those children who will be affected by it. |
| family secret." If you are a child tell a teacher or | | | | Even if you are not directly involved do something to |
| guidance counselor that you trust or phone the police | | | | help others who are in a violent situation. Your |
| from a safe place.Remember that you do have | | | | children might hear the neighbours beating on each |
| Rights under the Law use them.You or anyone else | | | | other and it will affect them if you don't try to stop |
| experiencing domestic violence has the right to go to | | | | the violence by calling the police.Kids are a product of |
| court and petition for an order of protection. You | | | | their environment and will think that it is exceptable |
| should also ask for custody of your children and child | | | | behavior if it is not stopped. We all need to take |
| support at the same time. You should try to get a | | | | steps to end Domestic Violence or any violent act |
| lawyer to represent you and protect all of your | | | | for that matter.You could save a life in your own |
| rights under the law. Call a local agency against | | | | family; I know that because my sister wasn't afraid |
| domestic violence, a crisis hotline, or the bar | | | | to get involved and called my neighbours she possibly |
| association to learn more about where to find legal | | | | saved mine.Really, how hard is it to dial 911?My name |
| help.Not all lawyers are the same. Don't use the same | | | | is Elane and I have no formal education in Writing, I |
| one that did the paper work when you bought your | | | | did go to high school and college. I do however have |
| home, incorporated our business or read Aunt Hatties | | | | life experience with women's issues like child abuse, |
| will unless you can convince them that this is a high | | | | rape, domestic violence, post traumatic stress |
| maintenance case and they have to protect you, | | | | disorder, alcoholism and addiction, marriage and |
| your children and your interests. It is really best to | | | | divorce, parenting, love and committment, remarriage, |
| try to find an attorney that deals only with family or | | | | step-parenting, chronic illness and disabilities. |
| domestic violence law. They can best understand the | | | | |