Empowering Steps and Support after Domestic Violence
Empowering Steps and Support after Domestic Violence
Domestic violence remains a serious issue in Australia, with the latest statistics indicating that one in four women and one in thirteen men have experienced emotional abuse from a partner. In addition, on average, one woman is killed every nine days due to domestic violence. It is important to note that these statistics underestimate the true extent of the issue, as many cases go unreported.
Domestic violence is a significant issue that can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for victims. If you have escaped from an abusive situation, it is important to take steps to ensure your safety and begin rebuilding your life. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the steps that victims of domestic violence can take after they have made their escape and are going back into the world.
After escaping domestic violence, it is important for victims to take steps to ensure their safety and begin rebuilding their lives. Here are some steps that victims of domestic violence can take after they have made their escape and are going back into the world:
- Seek Medical Attention: If you have been physically injured, seek medical attention immediately. This will not only help you heal physically, but the medical records can also serve as evidence of the abuse.
- Contact a Support Organization: Reach out to a domestic violence support organization for help and support. They can provide you with information about your legal rights, safety planning, and emotional support.
- Change Your Phone Number and Address: Change your phone number and address to prevent your abuser from contacting you. Consider getting an unlisted phone number and a post office box for your mail.
- Get a Restraining Order: Consider getting a restraining order against your abuser to legally prevent them from contacting or coming near you.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options. They can help you with divorce, child custody, and other legal matters.
- Create a Safety Plan: Create a safety plan to help you stay safe in case your abuser tries to contact or harm you. This plan should include a list of emergency contacts, a safe place to go, and a code word or signal to alert others that you are in danger.
- Attend Counselling: Attend counselling to help you heal emotionally and cope with the trauma of the abuse.
- Take Care of Yourself: Take care of yourself by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. This will help you regain your strength and self-confidence.
- Build a Support Network: Build a support network of friends, family, and other survivors of domestic violence. These people can provide you with emotional support and help you feel less alone.
- Celebrate Your Strength: Finally, celebrate your strength and courage for leaving an abusive situation. Recognize that it takes a lot of courage to escape domestic violence, and you should be proud of yourself for taking this step towards a better life.
Leaving an abusive situation is a courageous and difficult decision, but it is a crucial step in rebuilding your life and regaining control. It is important to seek help and support from domestic violence organizations, legal professionals, and counselling services. By taking steps to ensure your safety, creating a safety plan, and building a support network, you can begin to heal and move forward in a positive direction. Remember to take care of yourself and celebrate your strength and resilience.
If you know someone who is experiencing domestic violence, it is important to speak up and offer support. Your actions could save a life. Encourage them to seek help from a domestic violence support organization, provide them with information about their legal rights, and offer emotional support. Remember to prioritize their safety and well-being and urge them to create a safety plan and seek medical attention if necessary. Let them know that leaving an abusive situation takes courage and strength, and that they are not alone.
Please click on the link below for a list of services that are ready to help you right now!
Rhoda Chaalan
