Domestic Abuse

Home Treatment

Once abuse starts, it usually gets worse if steps are not taken to stop it. If you are in an abusive relationship, ask for help. This may be hard, but know you are not alone. Help is available. Call:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline toll-free 1-800-799-7233.
• The National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline toll-free 1-866-331-9474.

If you feel threatened, it is very important to develop a plan for dealing with a threatening situation. If your partner has threatened to harm you or your child, seek help.

• Anytime you are in danger, call 911.
• If you do not have a safe place to stay, tell a friend, a religious counselor, or your doctor. Do not feel that you have to hide what is happening.
• Have a plan for how to leave your house, where to go, and where to stay in case you need to get out quickly (safety plan). Do not tell your partner about your plan. For help in developing your plan, call:
  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline toll-free at 1-800-799-7233. They can help you find resources in your area.
  • Your local YMCA, YWCA, police department, hospital, or clinic for the local crisis line for names of shelters and safe homes near you.
• Teach your children how to call for help in an emergency.
• Be alert to warning signs, such as threats or drinking. This can help you avoid danger.
• If you can, make sure that there are no guns or other weapons in your home.
• If you are working, contact your human resources department or employee assistance program to find out what help is available to you.
• If you are seeing a counselor, be sure to go to all appointments.

If you are no longer living with a violent partner, contact the police to obtain a restraining order if your abuser continues to pursue you, threaten you, or act violently toward you.

If you have been a victim of abuse and continue to have problems related to the abuse, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For more information, see the topic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

If you know someone who may be abused

Here are some things you can do to help a friend or family member.

• Let your friend know you are willing to listen whenever she or he wants to talk. Don't confront your friend if she or he is not ready to talk. Encourage your friend to talk with her or his health professional, human resources manager, and supervisor to see what resources might be available.
• Tell your friend that the abuse is not her or his fault and that no one deserves to be abused. Remind your friend that domestic violence is against the law and that help is available. Be understanding if she or he is unable to leave. She or he knows the situation best and when it is safest to leave.
• If your friend has children, gently point out that you are concerned that the violence is affecting them. Many people do not understand that their children are being harmed until someone else talks about this concern.
• Encourage and help your friend develop a safety plan. This plan will help keep your friend and her or his children safe during a violent incident, when preparing to leave, and after leaving.

The most important step is to help your friend contact local domestic violence groups. There are programs across the country that provide options for safety, support, needed information and services, and legal support. To find the nearest program:

• Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
• See the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence's Web site at www.ncadv.org/resources/state.htm.
• Call the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline toll-free 1-866-331-9474.

The most dangerous time for your friend may be when she or he is leaving the abusive relationship, so any advice about leaving must be informed and practical.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

If problems from domestic abuse become more frequent or severe, use the Check Your Symptoms section to determine if and when you need to see your doctor or get other help.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 6, 2008
Medical Review:	Steven L. Schneider, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention
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