| Victim of Violence in a Relationship
I am so sorry to hear that you have been hurt. What probably hurts even more is that the damage is coming from the person you love, or thought you loved.
If you have been the victim of violence in the past three months, we do not recommend online counselling. There are a number of very sensitive issues that are best handled by a face-to-face counsellor. Most importantly, you will need to develop a plan to make sure that you are safe in the future.
|  |
If you believe that you are in danger right now, please call the police (iUK dial 999, USA dial 911) immediately. If you think you are safe at the moment, your best bet is to get some face-to-face help.
Again, the reason for this recommendation is that I want to make sure that you receive the best help possible. And in situations that involve violence, the best help is from someone who can sit down with you face-to-face.
I would be glad to give you some tips on finding a good in-person counsellor |
What is Violence?
Safety Plan
Prepare a safety bag to keep hidden in a secure place (e.g., friend). This bag should contain:
- clothing for you and the children
- cash for taxi and phone calls
- important phone numbers
- photocopies of important documents like passports, visas, immigration papers, birth certificates, marriage license, bank books, and insurance papers | |
Save money for an emergency and keep it in a safe place.
Keep a diary; note that it may be used in court later. Preserve evidence: apology notes, threatening letters, etc. Note doctors who have treated you for injuries.
Consult a lawyer; know your rights.
Find a counsellor who will help you build your confidence and inform you about local resources.
Teach the children to call 999 (UK) or 911 (USA) in an emergency. This is an important skill for their safety.
Alert neighbours to call police if they hear a fight.
|
|
