Are You Being Abused?

Does the person you love…

• Threaten to hurt or kill you or your children?

• Put you down in public or keep you from contacting family or friends?

• Control where you go, who you talk to, and how you spend money?

• Throw, push, hit, choke, kick, or slap you?

• Say it’s your fault, promise it won’t happen again—but then it does?

• 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.

  • Keep a list of important phone numbers (police, domestic violence hotline, hospital) with you.

• Plan with your children. 

  • Identify a safe place for them (room with a lock, neighbor’s house, etc.)

  • Let them know that their job is to stay safe, not to protect you.

• Arrange a signal with a neighbor for when you need help.

  • Example: if the porch light is on—there is trouble and you need help.

• Prepare an emergency kit that you can get quickly.

  • You may want to keep it at a trusted friend’s/neighbor’s house.

  • Include:

    • Extra set of car and house keys

    • Money, food stamps, checkbook, credit card(s), pay stubs

    • Birth certificates and other ID for you and your children

    • Your driver’s license or other photo identification

    • Social security card or green card/work permit

    • Health insurance cards, medications for you and your children

    • Deed or lease to your house or apartment

    • Any court papers or orders

    • Change of clothes for you and your children

• Plan the safest time to get away. 

  • Know which door, windows, etc.

• Provide escape. 

  • 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.

  • Ask them to document it.

• Have the doctor, nurse, or a friend take pictures of your injuries/bruises.

  • Same with any ripped or bloody clothes.

• Talk to someone about what you can do next.

  • Tell a friend what is happening. 

  • Keep important phone numbers easily accessible; friends, relatives, and Roads to Peace’s hotline. 

  • Call Roads to Peace to find out more about our services, shelter, and other resources available to help. 
     

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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