Am I in an Abusive Relationship?

Identify your partner’s use and level of force so that you can assess the risk of physical danger to you and your children are in. Trust your intuition and judgment!
 

Identify safe areas of the home where there are no weapons (even kitchen knives), and there are ways to escape. If arguments occur, try to move to those areas.
 

Don’t run to where the children are, as your partner may hurt them as well.
 

Have emergency 911 phones hidden in your home so if your life is in danger, call 911.
 

Teach your children how to get help, and not to get involved in violence between you and your partner. Plan a code word to signal to them that they should get help or leave the room or house.
 

Practice how to get out safely even with the children.
 

Keep weapons like guns and knives locked away and as inaccessible as possible.
 

Start backing the car into the driveway and keeping it fueled. If possible, keep the driver’s door unlocked and others locked, for quick escape.
 

Try not to wear scarves or long jewelry that could be used to strangle you.
 

If violence is unavoidable, make yourself a small target. Dive into a corner and curl up into a ball with your face protected and heart.