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Dealing With Domestic Violence
Seven Steps to Escaping the Violence
1.
Go to a Safe Place
- It's a crime to threaten or hit
another person. If you are the victim of domestic violence, you have the right to protect
yourself and to expect help from others. Don't stay in your home. Doing nothing
solves nothing. Go to a friend, neighbor, or relative. Call the Women’s
Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven of Waterbury Domestic Violence Hotline at 203-575-0036.
Temporary shelter is available for victims of domestic violence and their children. The
important thing is to get to a safe place as quickly as possible!
2.
Call the Police
If you are in a battering relationship, you cannot control the situation;
therefore it is important to report any assault or battery to the police or sheriff's
department by calling 9-1-1 immediately. In some states, officers will arrest a batterer
if there are any physical signs of injury. The sooner you report a battering the better.
By allowing others to become involved you are helping yourself, and helping the batterer.
3.
Follow Through
- Get the name and the phone number of the police
officer investigating your case. If there is enough evidence against your
assailant, an arrest will be made. There will be an arraignment before a judge and bail
will be set. If bond is posted, the batterer will be released until a preliminary hearing
is held. It is common for victims to fear for their safety during this time. You are a
witness in the case, and tampering with a witness is a crime. If you are harassed or
threatened by anyone regarding the case, report it to the police and ask that action be
taken.
4.
Don't Beleive... "I'll Never
Hit You Again"
- Criminal prosecution and/or civil
action (divorce or separation) are options for any battered person. Often the batterer is
unable to admit there is a problem. Counseling is only helpful if both partners want help
and are motivated to work together. If the abuse is habitual or extremely violent, the
batterer may need long term therapy. Information on counseling and therapy for a victim or
batterer is available through referrals from the Women’s Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven
of Waterbury.
5.
Consider Your Future Safety
If the batterer refuses to seek help, it is unlikely the beatings will
stop. Statistics show the beatings will become more and more severe. Protect yourself. The
Women’s Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven of Waterbury will assist you in obtaining a
restraining order requiring your batterer to stay away from you, your residence, and your
workplace.
6.
Look For Help!
You're not alone. There are many places in the Greater Waterbury area
where victims of domestic violence may seek help. Check with private social service
agencies, churches or the Women’s Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven of Waterbury
(203-575-0036). Don't be ashamed to ask for help!
7.
Provide For The Future!
Even if you've never worked before,
you can become self-supporting. Contact the Connecticut Department of Labor Office near
you. For the address and telephone number, check the Blue Pages in your telephone
directory. Community education classes are open to those who would like to complete high
school or who want to learn job-related skills. Assistance such as help with registration,
academic counseling, support groups, and childcare is also available for men and women
returning to school for further education. Contact a counselor at your local community
college. Contact the Women’s Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven of Waterbury for….....
Support in court appearances
Crisis
counseling
Information about your case
Property return assistance
Assistance during court proceedings
Witness waiting room
Referral to community agencies
State victim compensation assistance
Restraining Order assistance
Support groups
Child abduction recovery
Speaker's bureau
If you have any
questions or need assistance please contact:
Watertown Police Department (860) 945-5200
Water-Oak Crime Stoppers (860) 945-9940 |
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