Leaving & Offering Help

What You Need to Take When You Leave

• Identification
• Driver's license
• All birth certificates
• Money Lease, rental agreement, house deed
• Bank books; checkbooks
• Insurance papers
• House and car keys
• Medications Medical records for all family members
• Social Security Card Welfare identification School records
• Work permits; green card; passport
• Divorce papers
• Children's small toys

Helping

Do you know someone in a battering relationship? Do you suspect that a friend, relative, or someone you know is being abused? If so, don't be afraid to offer help-you just might save someone's life. here are some suggestions to assist someone who may be a target of domestic violence:

• Approach in an understanding, non-blaming way. Tell them that they are not alone, that there are many others in the same kind of situation.
• Acknowledge that it is scary and difficult to talk about domestic violence. No one deserves to be threatened, hit, or beaten.
• Nothing they can do or say makes the abuser's violence ok.
• Share information.
• Show the Warning List, Violence, and Non-Violence Wheels.
• Discuss the dynamics of violence and how abuse is based on power and control.
• Offer Support as a friend.
• Be a good listener.
• Encourage their expression of hurt and anger.
• Allow them to make their own decisions, even if it means they are not ready to leave the abusive relationship.
• Provide information on help available, including emergency shelter, counseling services, safety planning, and legal advice.
• Inform them about legal protection.
• Go with them to the circuit court to get a PPO to prevent further harassment by the abuser.