No one deserves to be abused. Hopefully if you are being abused, you will be able to find a way to safely get out of the abusive relationship. However, the reality is that for many different reasons, some victims are not able to leave an abusive relationship once the abuse begins. If you’re in a physically abusive relationship, please consider the following tips to help try to keep you and your children safe until the time comes when you are able to leave.
DURING THE VIOLENCE
- The abuser may have patterns to his/her abuse. Try to be aware of any signs that show she/he is about to become violent so that you can assess how dangerous the situation may be for you and your children.
- If it looks like violence may happen, try to remove yourself and your children from the situation before the violence begins.
- Be aware of anything the abuser can use as a weapon. Keep any sharp or heavy objects that she/he may use to hurt you out of reach.
- Figure out where the “safer places” are in your home – the places where there aren’t weapons within arm’s reach. If it looks like the abuser is about to hurt you, try to get to a safer place.
- If the abuser does start to harm you, don’t run to where the children are; the abuser may hurt them too.
- If there’s no way to escape the violence at that moment, make yourself a small target. Dive into a corner and curl up into a ball. Protect your face and put your arms around each side of your head, wrapping your fingers together.
- Try not to wear scarves or long jewelry. The abuser could use these things to strangle you.
Continued next week!
Domestic Violence Series
- Part 1: Safety with an abuser
- Part 2: Plan for safety
- Part 3: Safety tips for those who have left their abusers
_
The Cleveland Police Foundation, in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Police and the Ohio Crime Prevention Association present these tips so citizens can help to make our community safer.