You may know a co-worker, friend, child, teen, mother, aunt, sister, brother, or neighbor who is a victim of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect.  If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe and are affraid to step in, you can call for help.

Most communities have various agencies that offer different types of assistance beyond the obvious 911 response officers.  Here are some things to look for in your area. See the smart Yellow Pages of your phone book.

National Domestic Violence 24 hr. hotline: 
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Domestic Violence/Abuse Hotline. A 24-hour-a-day hotline. This is a vital lifeline to anyone who is a survivor of domestic violence, or who suspects that someone they know may be the victim of abuse.  800.799.SAFE (7233) 

See the PeaceClinic's List of Shelters in the USA

Things To Watch For: 
You may be in an abusive relationship if your current boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or partner has done any of the following:

• Withheld approval, appreciation or affection as punishment.
• Continually criticized you, called you names or shouted at you.
• Ignored your feelings regularly.
• Ridiculed or insulted your most valued beliefs, your religion, race, class or sexual preference.
• Been very jealous--harassed you about imagined affairs.
• Manipulated you with lies.
• Insisted you dress the way he/she wants.
• Criticised the way you eat, too fast/slow.
• Humiliated you in private or public.
• Insulted or driven away your friends or family.
• Taken car keys or money away.
• Subjected you to reckless driving.
• Thrown objects at you.
• Abused pets to hurt you.
• Punched, shoved, slapped, bit, kicked, choked or hit you.
• Raped you or subjected you to other violent or degrading non-consensual sexual acts.
• Threatened to commit suicide if you leave.

  Emotional/Spiritual Wounds Survey  

• Have you ever been divorced, abandoned, or abused?
• If you fear rejection,  do you accept abusive situations?
• Do you love someone who does not return your feelings?"
• If you desire to please people, are you uncomfortable saying "No."
• Are anxiety, depression, and/or fear ruining your life?
• Is expressing anger very difficult for you?

 

Read: Domestic Violence Articles
     Midwestern Chapter 
     Eastern Chapter

 

Contact Chapter Directors - four in USA, and one in India
You will always be able to write or call the PeaceClinic for referals and the Regional Chapter Directors have been more than willing to answer questions and offer their recommentations.

Read: Books on Domestic Violence:
Read one of the best books on how to help a friend, a victim of domestic violence. Stop Domestic Violence is by Lou Brown, Francois DuBau, and Merritt McKeon. This 'Action Plan for Saving Lives' is available at the Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation.

Start a DV support group at work, church or school.
     o  Pin up your DV proclomation.
     o  Have others read it out loud.
     o  Discuss items therein.
     o  Call on others to share their experience.
     o  Invite others to pledge to make a difference.
     o  Say, "Keep comming back. It works."
     o  Remind that what is said there stays there.
     o  Form a circle and express thanks for this time together.

Take tips from all the 12 Step recovery programs for ethical principles.