SAFE CARES!
You are not alone!!
There is help for you !!
No one has the right to abuse you!!
You are not responsible for the actions of the abuser!!
HELP and HOPE are available to you!
WHAT IS ABUSE
Abuse is forceful, controlling behavior that forces a victim to do what the abuser wants without reguarding their rights, body, or health.
BATTERING AND PHYSICAL ABUSE
Throwing objects at the victim, pushing, hitting, slapping, kicking, choking, beating up or attacking with a weapon.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Abuse of the vaginal area or forced intercourse.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
Forcing the victim to perform degrading and humiliating acts, threatening to harm the partner or the children, attacking or destroying valued possessions and pets, or exerting inappropriate control over a victims life.
THE ABUSIVE SITUATION
An abuser often has a family background of violence and may have low self-esteem. They may be excessively jealous of their partner's relationships with others and refuse to take responsibility for their behavior, blaming the partner for the violent acts.
A victim will often accept the abuser's opinion as unable to function without him. Many of these victims believe they somehow caused the abuse and that they can control the abuser by trying to please him or avoid getting him angry.
Victims stay in abusive relationships for a number of complex reasons. They often have conflicting feelings: love and loyalty, guilt, fear of retaliation, fear of being alone, fear of not finding a way to make a living. The daily life of an abused victim in frightening and chaotic.
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF VIOLENCE
The first step in breaking the violent pattern in a relationship is to tell someone. At first, you may find it hard to talk about the abuse. But many abused women feel a great sense of relief once they have confided their problem to someone outside the home.
The second step in breaking the violent pattern of an abusive relationship is to ensure your safety. You need to recognize signs of impending danger so you can get out of a violent incident, before it occurs.
MAKING CHANGES
At some point you will have to think about the long-term situation. You will be faced with some tough decisions. No one else can decide these things for you. No matter what choices you make S.A.F.E. can be of help in making changes.
Abuse by partners is a problem that is more widespread than most people think. It poses a serious health threat to the lives of many victims.
It is important for every victim to be aware of what constitutes abuse and to realize that it is not something that they "just have to live with." There are choices and options.
If you think you may be involved in a relationship that threatens your well-being or that of your children, start the process. CALL S.A.F.E.--Remember-NO ONE deserves to be abused! It may be scary at first, but YOU CAN change your life for the better. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.A. CALL 1-800-688-6157
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