"What Should I Do If I'm Abused?"
If you are the Victim of Domestic Violence you should:
Seek Safety
Immediately get away from the Abuser.
Seek shelter at a neighbor's home, drive away to an area
with a lot of people, or go to a friend or relative's home.
Just get away from further abuse!
Contact the Police
Don't hesitate...call the police.
Maine has tough Domestic Violence Laws for your protection.
Let the police help you!
Cooperate and follow-through!
Provide the police with a detailed account of what happened
to you and/or your children. Often, victims are reluctant
to pursue their legal rights for a number of reasons.
Follow the advice of the police.
Make a Statement
Give the police a complete written statement.
This will also help you deal with the situation by psychologically
making a "statement" that you will not tolerate being abused.
It will also help with court proceedings later.
Talk to a Domestic Crisis Intervention Counselor
The police can put you in contact with a Domestic Violence
case worker who can immediately set into place measures
for getting you relief by providing safe havens
for you and your children; counseling for the family;
assistance in obtaining a Protection Order; food; clothes;
and a variety of other services.
DON'T BE ASHAMED!
Seek help! You are a Victim so don't feel ashamed.
Failure to seek help only reinforces the "hold" over you
and subjects you to a continued life of abuse.
If you were sick you'd see a doctor.
If you're being abused.....call the police!
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