thousandwords53

Hello everyone!
Just wanted to share a random thought that has been on my mind, for those in an abusive/unhealthy/stuck place with their A- and I may have posted this before but I could not find it. I wanted to offer a resource, or insight in an area I personally struggled with;

DV hotline/justice centers/Women's shelters seemed scary to me.
Places you called or went to only when you were in your darkest moments, running away at night in fear.

But there is much more available in these places than you might realize,
before crisis strikes they have counseling, state benefits access/housing/food/medical, legal help, documenting the abuse, safety planning etc.
Usually you can call ahead and make an appointment or walk-in if you know the location. (bring your ID)


https://www.familyjusticecenter.org/...stice-centers/

The Hotline: 1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224

I have both called/im chatted/ and visited a center. Hope this helps. Hugs and strength

trailmix

Thanks for posting that thousand. I actually would find it a bit scary to be honest, although I would absolutely also use those services if I needed to.

dandylion

thousandwords…..I am so glad that you posted this!
I think that so many people have unrealistic fears and old fashioned stigmas regarding dv centers and related services. today, there is much more attention to persons who find themselves in abusive or violent type of situations.....and, more services and support available than there once was.....

People in abusive situations or violent...or, even, POTENTIALLY in violent situations often feel so isolated alone.....If they only could realize that non-judgemental and compassionate support is only a phone call or text away....that their privacy is always protected and that they are under no obligation to just talk to an understanding worker....
And, that the actual shelters are warm and uplifting places with only goal is to help in every possible way that they can.....
There is no shame....only caring support.....

So many people don't realize that there are so many kinds of abuse besides just hitting...….Anyone who finds themselves feeling afraid of another person...in any way, should just pick up that phone and call the dv hotline.....

Thousand words, I am so glad that you made the call and got the kind of support that you were needing!

Anna

These are resources we have listed and I just updated them:

Domestic Abuse Defined

http://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/

National Domestic Abuse Hotline (US):
http://www.thehotline.org/

Canada:
https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/...help-aide.html

UK:
https://www.womensaid.org.uk

Europe:
http://www.cosc.ie/en/COSC/Pages/WP08000009

Australia:
https://au.reachout.com/articles/dom...olence-support
call 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732.

Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela:
Shelters

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
800-655-Hope

hopeful4

Love this! When I felt stuck myself, I received free counseling from our local DV center. I was scared to call at first, but they were wonderful. It helped me during a time I thought I was unhelpable.

FYI... the counseling was off site so I never even actually went to the DV center itself.

Many people don't realize even emotional abuse will qualify you to use these services.

Thank you for sharing!