Have important phone numbers available for your children and yourself
Alert friends and neighbors about the violence and ask them to call the police if they hear suspicious noises from your house
Think of at least four places you can go if you leave home, including a shelter
Keep change for phone calls or a cell phone with you at all time. Consider opening a savings account in your own name
Rehearse an escape route with a support person and review your plan periodically

Warning:

Violence frequently gets worse when you try to leave or show signs of independence. Your partner may become desperate so it's important that you take special care at these times

ARE YOU BEING ABUSED?

Does the person you love:

Track all of your time; control all aspects of your life?
Constantly accuse you of being unfaithful?
Discourage your relationships with family and friends?
Prevent you from working/attending school?
Criticize, degrade or humiliate you publicly or privately?
Anger easily when drinking or using drugs?
Control all finances and force you to account in detail for what you spend?
Destroy personal property or sentimental items?
Hit, punch, slap, kick or bite you or your children?
Use or threaten to use a weapon against you?
Minimize your feelings?
Threaten to hurt you or your children?
Threaten to commit suicide?
Force you to have sex against your will?
Blame you for the behavior?

If you find yourself saying yes to any of the above questions, consider consulting a professional.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN ASSAULTED, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Call the police or sheriff. Assault, even by family members, is a crime. The police often have information about shelters and other agencies that help victims of domestic violence.

Contact your Family Court for information regarding personal protection/restraining orders.

HAVE YOU HURT SOMEONE YOU LOVE?

Accept the fact that your behavior will destroy your relationships.
Be aware that you break the law when you physically hurt someone.
Take responsibility for your actions and get help.
When you feel tension building, get away. Work off anger through a walk, project or a sport.
Call a domestic violence hotline or a mental health center and ask about counseling and support groups for people who batter.