Everyone has the right to be safe and free from abuse. No one should experience abuse but many people are in situations where leaving or escaping is very difficult.
If you are in an abusive relationship it is important to keep any evidence of physical abuse, such as pictures. It is also a good idea to keep a journal of all violent incidences, noting dates, events and threats made if possible. This information will help strengthen your case against your abuser.
You have the legal option to get a protection order against your abuser. This legal document prevents the abuse from reoccurring under threat of arrest.
Keep a certified copy of your protection order with you at all times.
Give copies of the protection order to employers, neighbours, and schools along with a picture of the offender.
If the offender does not comply with the protection order call the police to enforce the order.
Here are ways to protect yourself if you are not yet ready to leave:
1. Identify your partner’s use and level of force so that you are able to assess danger before it occurs.
2. Identify safe areas of the house where there are no weapons and where there are always ways to escape and if arguments occur, try to move to those areas.
3. If violence is unavoidable, make yourself a small target. Immediately go into a corner and curl up into a ball with your face protected and arms around each side of your head, fingers entwined.
4. Have a phone accessible at all times and know the numbers to call for help. Know your local battered women’s shelter number and don’t be afraid to call the police.
5. Inform trusted friends and neighbours of your situation and develop a plan in case you need help. trusted friends and neighbors know of your situation and develop a plan and .
6. Create visual signals to alert friends and neighbours when you need help.
7. Teach your children how to get help. Instruct them not to get involved in the violence between you and your partner. Plan a code word to signal to them that they should get help or leave the house.
8. Try not to wear scarves or long jewelry that could be used to strangle you.
9. Keep weapons like guns and knives locked up and as inaccessible as possible.
10.Try to avoid an abusive situation by leaving.
