One out of every four women in this country will suffer some kind of violence at the hands of her husband or boyfriend. Very few will tell anyone ..... not a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or the police. Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life ..... all cultures, all income groups, all ages, all religions. They share feelings of helplessness, isolation, guilt, fear, and shame.

     There are no easy answers, but there are things you can do to protect yourself.
* Call the police or sheriff. Assault, even by family members, is a crime. The police often have information about shelters and other agencies that help victims of domestic violence.
* Leave or have someone come and stay with you. Go to a battered women's shelter ..... call a crisis hotline in your community or a health center to locate a shelter. If you believe that you and your children are in danger.....leave immediately.
* Get medical attention from your doctor or a hospital emergency room. Ask the staff to photograph your injuries and keep detailed records in case you decide to take legal action.
* Contact your family court for information about a civil protection order that does not involve criminal charges or penalties. DON'T IGNORE THE PROBLEM
* Talk to someone. Part of the abuser's power comes from secrecy. Victims are often ashamed to let anyone know about intimate family problems.. Go to a friend or neighbor, or call a domestic violence hotline to talk to a councilor.
* Plan ahead and know what you will do if you are attacked again. If you decide to leave, choose a place to go; set aside some money. Put important papers together ..... marriage licence, birth certificates, check books ..... in a place where you can get them quickly.
* Learn to think independently. Try to plan for the future and set goals for yourself. TAKE A STAND
* Reach out to someone you believe is a victim of family violence, or to someone you think is being abusive. Don't give up easily....change takes time. Ending the family's isolation is a critical first step.
* Urge organizations and businesses to raise community awareness by hosting speakers on domestic violence, launching public education campaigns, and raising funds for shelters and hotlines.
* Ask the local newspaper, radio station, or television station to examine the problem and publicize resources in the community through special features and forums.
* Form coalitions or "watchdog" groups to monitor the response of local law enforcement agencies and courts. Offer praise where appropriate and demand reform when necessary.
* Most communities offer resources for victims of family violence. Check your telephone directory or ask a law enforcement agency for their availability.

      The tips above where supplied by the National Crime Prevention Council.

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