Support Services for Victims of Abuse

What is abuse?

Abuse is any physical, sexual, emotional or psychological mistreatment such as:

• Physically hurting you, your children or your pets
• Threatening you, your children, your friends, your family or your pets
• Hitting, kicking, or slamming doors
• Forcing or coercing you to have sex
• Calling you names, swearing at you, yelling
• Controlling all the money, even money you earn
• Blaming you or your children for everything
• Putting you down, making you feel like nothing you do is ever good enough
• Controlling where you go, what you do, what you wear, who you see, who you talk to
• Refusing to let you leave the relationship

What if you are being abused?

It’s not your fault. Support and safety are available. There are people who care and are ready to listen. Talk to someone you trust. Call the numbers on this page. Keep asking for help until you get what you need.

How can you help someone who is being abused?

If you know someone is being abused, let them know you care and will listen.

• Show them this page, promote access to services in their community or a community of their choosing
• Believe them, listen to them and respect their privacy
• Help them plan for their safety.
• Outreach support for victims of abuse and shelters for women appearing on the left side of this page can help with safety planning.
• Respect their right to make decisions about their life when they are ready. Information and support helps them make informed decisions.