Safety for yourself and for your children must be your primary concern when you are experiencing violence in your home. Develop a plan. Figure out the best way to get yourself and your children to safety. Ask for help. Keep some money, an extra set of keys, identification records (birth certificates, social security cards) and other important documents and telephone numbers with a trusted friend. Let your neighbors know your situation. Ask them to call the police if they hear suspicious noises from your house. Teach your children how to use the telephone and how to contact the police or other help in an emergency.

Legal Steps

If you are being abused by someone in your family or by a partner, CALL 911. The police are required to:

• Respond to your call.
• Make an arrest if there is probable cause that an assault has occurred.
• Write a report of incident and give you a summary of the report.

The police are also required to request an Emergency Protective Order if they believe you are in further danger. This will order the abuser to:

• Stop abusing you.
• Stay away from you.

You can also file a petition at the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Services Unit for a Protective Order. A protective order is a legal order prohibiting further acts of abuse. The abuser will not be arrested or charged with a crime. A judge can grant temporary custody and visitation at the protective order hearing. You can also request a Criminal Assault and Battery Warrant from your local magistrate. You do not need an attorney to request a warrant or to petition for a Protective Order, and there is no charge for either.

Available Services

Crisis services include:

• 24-hour toll-free hotline (800) 838-8238
• Crisis intervention
• Crisis counseling
• Emergency transportation
• Temporary emergency housing
• Information and referral
• Legal aid