GET HELP

Local Hotline number

1-800-326-8483

or

570-323-8167

Are YOU at risk?

1. Are you blamed when things go wrong?
2. Do you only do things your partner wants to do and never do anything you want to do?
3. Is your partner jealous of your time with your friends and family?
4. Do you fear you are doing the wrong thing all the time?
5. Are you made to feel responsible for your partner’s behavior?
6. Do you feel you must ask permission to do things?
7. Are you put down, told you are stupid, no good, and no one else wants you?
8. Does your partner get angry if you disagree with him/her?
9. Are you shoved, slapped, hit, punched, kicked, choked or hurt in other ways?
10. Are you pressured to have sex, even after you’ve said “No”?
11. Do you live in fear?

If You Answered Yes ...
These are warning signs. Your relationship may be in trouble, and you may be heading toward abuse.

Do not ignore the warning signs.
Abuse is likely to happen or is happening now.

Take action.
Take a serious look at this relationship.
Get help now from a professional who understands domestic violence.

Saftey Tips for Victims of Domestic Violence

The following safety tips may be useful for women and dependent children in potentially abusive situations:

1. Keep extra money and an extra set of car keys hidden (preferably outside your home).
2. Hide important papers in a secure location (social security cards, birth certificates, school records, etc.).
3. Keep a bag of clothing packed for emergency exits.
4. Dial 911 for police when necessary and ask responding officer his/her badge number and name.
5. Teach your children to go to a neighbor’s house and dial 911 when necessary.
6. Develop a signal (porch light blinking, pounding on floors or pipes, etc.) for neighbor to call police. Choose a neighbor you know well and trust very well.
7. If abused, go to the hospital for documentation.

What You Can Do To Help Stop Domestic Violence

Speak Out!  Denounce violence at every opportunity.  Speak up against sexist attitudes and jokes; avoid movies and television shows that normalize and minimize violence against women and violence in general.  Attend rallies and events that support non-violence, and particularly those that promote the elimination of violence against women and children.

Call 911.  If you see a person being physically assaulted in the street or in a public place, or hear a terrible altercation going on through the wall of the apartment or townhouse next door, call 911.  At least the arrival of law enforcement will diffuse the situation, and your making the call relieves the victim of the responsibility.  Better safe than sorry.

Teach Our Kids.  Support prevention education that promotes alternatives to violence in our schools,  for all ages.  But most importantly, young people form their relationship skills in adolescence;  programs through Wise Options and the ywca of northcentral pa’s Community Education Department bring important information about the formation of healthy relationships to young people when they need it most.

Be Aware of Dating Violence.  Many women who experience domestic violence as adults acknowledge that the violence started in their dating relationships as early as middle school or junior high.  Pay close
attention to what is going on in the relationships of your teenagers and their friends.  Be available to them and if you know someone that needs help, encourage them to call Wise Options.

Take Verbal and Psychological Abuse Seriously.  Don’t underestimate the effects of name-calling, verbal put-downs, constant criticism and isolation on a person within an intimate relationship.  Emerging data tell us that emotional and psychological abuse is often more damaging in the long term, particularly to mental health, than physical violence.  In addition, victims of psychological abuse report more serious long-term direct adverse health effects than victims of physical abuse.  Plus emotional abuse and psychological abuse often lead to physical abuse.

Support Victims.  If you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence, listen and provide support in a nonjudgmental way.  Make yourself aware of the resources Wise Options and other agencies can provide.  Never turn your back on someone you know who is a victim;  never ask “why don’t you just leave the relationship?”  This statement is victim-blaming, and further isolates the victim.  Studies show that 75% of victims eventually leave the abusive relationship.  For more information about how to help a friend or family member, call Wise Options.

Place Responsibility Where It Belongs.  Hold batterers accountable for their actions.  Insist that their
behavior is unacceptable—no one deserves to be abused!  Do not accept their excuses—alcohol, drug use, job stress, or victim “made them do it”.  Avoid victim blaming.

Volunteer!  Volunteer for organizations like Wise Options, whose resources are never adequate to accomplish all of their goals!

Send Money!  Support financially, at whatever level, organizations such as Wise Options.  Every dollar is put to use in our community to provide services for victims and their children, and education for our kids.  Or, offer support by organizing a wish-list item drive at your school, workplace or house of worship.

For More Information on How You Can Help,
Contact Wise Options at 570-323-8167

Domestic Violence Information Websites

Visit the following links for information on Domestic Violence and other important information:

www.ncadv.org - National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
www.pcadv.org - PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence
www.ywcawilliamsport.org – ywca of northcentral pa and Wise Options

Call 323-8167 or 1-800-326-8483