Resources to Receive Help
Being a victim of dating violence is not your fault. Nothing you say, wear, or do gives anyone the right to hurt you.
- If you think you are in an abusive relationship, get help immediately. Don’t keep your concerns to yourself.
- Talk to someone you trust like a parent, teacher, school principal, counselor, or nurse.
- If you choose to tell, you should know that some adults are mandated reporters. This means they are legally required to report neglect or abuse to someone else, such as the police or child protective services. You can ask people if they are mandated reporters and then decide what you want to do. Some examples of mandated reporters are teachers, counselors, doctors, social workers, and in some cases, coaches or activity leaders. If you want help deciding whom to talk to, call the National Crime Victim Helpline at 1-800-FYI-CALL (1-800-394-2255) or an anonymous crisis line in your area. You might also want to talk to a trusted family member, a friend’s parent, an adult neighbor or friend, an older sibling or cousin, or other experienced person who you trust.
Help Yourself
Think about ways you can be safer. This means thinking about what to do, where to go for help, and who to call ahead of time.
- Where can you go for help?
- Who can you call?
- Who will help you?
- How will you escape a violent situation?
Help Someone Else
If you know someone who might be in an abusive relationship, you can help.
- Tell the person that you are worried.
- Be a good listener.
- Offer your friendship and support.
- Ask how you can help.
- Encourage your friend to seek help.
- Educate yourself about dating violence and healthy relationships.
(Retrieved June 11, 2009 from http://www.ncvc.org/tvp/AGP.Net/Components/DocumentViewer/Download.aspxnz?DocumentID=45314)
ALSO…
Help is just phone call away.
This 24-hour national web-based and telephone resource was created to help teens (ages 13-18) experiencing dating abuse and is the only helpline in the country serving all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The site offers secure, live interactive chat to teens, which presents them with a familiar technology and an accessible means for communication. While online or on the phone, teens will be given support as well as referrals to local resources in their hometown to provide them with the help they need.
(Retrieved June 11, 2009 from http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/helpline.htm)
You have offered some great advise above. It always good to be prepared. I once attended a consent workshop where I learned a lot about when you should ask your partner if what you are about to do is ok. I know this isn’t quite the same topic but a lack of preparedness and rules about consent can lead to violence. Also, the loveisrespect.org is a great resource but it only help teens ages 13-18 which excludes most of the members of our class. Do you know of any similar resources for adults or young adults?
Yes, I actually did locate one. I’ll post it now. Thanks for your comments.