If you are in an abusive relationship

You are not alone. You are not to blame. You can get help.

Get medical attention if you have been physically injured. Save evidence to document the abuse (medical records, photographs of injuries and damage to your property, etc.). Make a safety plan, which may include figuring out the “warning signs” that come before abuse:

• work out signals with neighbors to call the police
• ask a friend or relative to stay with you
• decide where you can go and what to take with you if you must leave (money, important documents, spare clothes, car keys, etc.)
• protect your children

Report domestic violence and stalking to the police. They can and will:

• protect you from immediate danger, and help you and your children get out of the house safely;
  arrest the abuser without a warrant when there is reasonable cause to believe that an assault has taken
• place or that the abuser has violated a Personal Protection Order or a restraining order;
• advise you of available shelter programs and other services in your area;
• write out a police report which can be used to help prove the abuse occurred and show good cause for a judge to grant a personal protection order or a restraining order.