Violent relationships

If you are in an abusive relationship, it's very important to make a plan for dealing with a threatening situation. And if your partner has threatened to harm you or your child, seek help.

• Anytime you are in danger, call 911.
• If you don't have a safe place to stay, tell a friend, a counselor, your doctor, or a faith leader. Don't feel that you have to hide what is happening.
• Have a safety plan for how to leave your home, where to go, where to stay, and what to take in case you need to get out quickly.
• If your partner is abusive, don't tell them about your plan, so you can stay safe after you're away.
• For more help in making your plan, call:
  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline toll-free at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). Or go to www.thehotline.org to visit the website.
  • Your local police department, hospital, or clinic for the local crisis line or for names of shelters and safe homes near you.

Other things you can do

• If you are seeing a counselor, be sure to go to all appointments.
• 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 in an abusive relationship, ask for help. This may be hard, but know that you aren't alone. Help is available.

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline toll-free at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). Or go to www.thehotline.org to visit the website.
• The National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline toll-free at 1-866-331-9474 or (1-866-331-8453 TTY). Or go to www.loveisrespect.org to visit the website.
• The Childhelp Line toll-free at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). Or go to www.childhelp.org to visit the website.

If you no longer live with your abuser, contact the police to get a protective order (restraining order) if your abuser continues to harass or pursue you, threaten you, or act violently toward you.

If you've been a victim of abuse and still have problems related to the abuse, you may be affected by depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can be treated. Talk to your doctor about getting help.