Lesson 2: Steps to Leaving the Relationship
Support Services
A lot of people who are abused feel alone. They believe that people don't understand what it is they are going through and they end up not having the energy to seek help.
Family and friends may tend to say, "we all have problems," or "go to a marriage counselor," and the classic, "why don't you just leave?" Unless someone is or was a victim of domestic violence, this epidemic is not easy to understand. If you never experienced it yourself, you truly don't have a clue.
But there is help out there. We must find the sources and reach out. People do care and organizations are there to help.
1. Find a local battered shelter in your area. You could call your Chamber of Commerce in your area. The newspapers always have information about shelters. You could also call The National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. They can provide help and referrals to local programs.
2. Call your local Department of Social Services. They are easily found in the phone book. They will help with financial assistance, food stamps, child protective services, adult protective services, and Medicaid. For more information about the Food Stamp Program go to http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/.
3. Call the American Bar Association at (202) 662-1737 or visit their website at http://www.abanet.org/domviol/home.html. Their website offers information in training materials, legal briefs, and sample legal forms relevant to domestic violence legal issues and proceedings.
4. Surf the web. There are endless websites available for victims of domestic violence. Some of the websites provided offer great sources for practically every state. Below is a list to start with:
http://www.feminist.org/other/dv/dvhome....
5. A lot of women that are abused have children. They may live in an area with no family and friends. This leaves a lot of people feeling very lonely. The best way to make friends and to get involved in your community is to find a Moms Club in your area. To find one available in your area log onto http://www.momsclub.org. They have information for all 50 states and their towns. If there isn't one, you could start one yourself. The International Moms Club will show you how. They are not a place for therapy amongst other things, but it is a start to reach out and make friends. At a time of loneliness and being a new mom, this is a great club to get involved in. This club is for ALL ages of children and adults.
6. Call your local police department. Make them aware of your situation. Ask questions. They may be able to direct you towards the proper help and support. Find out what you could do to protect yourself within the state you live in.
7. Contact Al-Anon for information on groups for spouses of alcoholics. Look in your local yellow pages for numbers and check your local churches for this support group.
8. If you can, start a support group of your own. Put together a Board of Directors, set up your first meeting, find a meeting spot like at your local library, recreation center, or church. Put out flyers, brochures, and make your own business cards.
Creating an Online Support Group Course http://www.suite101.com/course.cfm/17572...
