Are You Being Abused?
Does the person you love…
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Threaten to hurt or kill you or your children?
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Put you down in public or keep you from contacting family or friends?
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Control where you go, who you talk to, and how you spend money?
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Throw, push, hit, choke, kick, or slap you?
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Say it’s your fault, promise it won’t happen again—but then it does?
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Force you to have sex when you don’t want to?
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If any of this is happening to you, you are being abused.
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Plan Your Safety - Be Prepared…
Below are a list of precautionary steps to take if you are being abused:
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Know where you can get help.
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Keep a list of important phone numbers (police, domestic violence hotline, hospital) with you.
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Plan with your children.
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Identify a safe place for them (room with a lock, neighbor’s house, etc.)
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Let them know that their job is to stay safe, not to protect you.
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Arrange a signal with a neighbor for when you need help.
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Example: if the porch light is on—there is trouble and you need help.
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Prepare an emergency kit that you can get quickly.
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You may want to keep it at a trusted friend’s/neighbor’s house.
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Include:
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Extra set of car and house keys
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Money, food stamps, checkbook, credit card(s), pay stubs
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Birth certificates and other ID for you and your children
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Your driver’s license or other photo identification
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Social security card or green card/work permit
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Health insurance cards, medications for you and your children
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Deed or lease to your house or apartment
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Any court papers or orders
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Change of clothes for you and your children
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Plan the safest time to get away.
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Know which door, windows, etc.
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Provide escape.
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Practice with your children for an emergency.
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If you have experienced any physical abuse or assault:
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Get medical help and tell what happened.
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Ask them to document it.
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Have the doctor, nurse, or a friend take pictures of your injuries/bruises.
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Same with any ripped or bloody clothes.
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Talk to someone about what you can do next.
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Tell a friend what is happening.
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Keep important phone numbers easily accessible; friends, relatives, and Roads to Peace’s hotline.
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Call Roads to Peace to find out more about our services, shelter, and other resources available to help.
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We assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We welcome anyone who needs services.
Remember, you are not alone. We are here to help. We are a committed group of individuals who believe in the resiliency of the human spirit and the ability of individuals to control their own lives.
We are just a phone call away. Please reach out if needed.
24/7 Hotline (570) 748-9509
or
Business Line (570) 748-9539
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
PA Relay Service 1-800-654-5984
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