How to Cope with Batterers

It’s not possible to cope with Batterers. You must leave the person and the relationship for your personal safety, as well as your loved ones. Physical violence can escalate to the murder of you and your children and family. The cycle of violence must end.

• Make sure you and your children are safe. Find a safe place to live like a safe house or home of a friend or relative. Take house keys, money, and important papers with you.
• Call the police if you are in danger and think you can’t leave home safely, or you want to bring charges against your abuser.
• Get medical and counseling help. Your doctor can treat any medical problem, provide support, and make referrals. A safe house, nurse, social worker, therapist, psychiatrist, and other health care professionals can help you find counseling and support groups.
• Talk to someone you trust. Get support from family, friends, coworkers, or spiritual advisors.
• Get a personal protection order and legal support. A staff member at a safe house can help you file for protection.
• Make a safety plan.

People may not know your situation. Don’t let anybody talk you into actions that may not be right for you; however, until you leave the abusive relationship, make sure to protect your personal safety.

• E-mail – like a postcard, e-mail can be intercepted or lost.
• The Internet – computers can be monitored without you even knowing it. A computer’s history is never really completely erased.
• Cell Phones – cell phones can be monitored.
• GPS – global positioning systems can be placed on your car, in your purse, or in your cell phone.
• Court records – some courts are placing records online and may contain personal information.