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.