Domestic violence help comes in all shapes and sizes. There is the crisis hotline to get you where you need to go ASAP. Then, there are the community domestic abuse support groups that assure you that “you are not alone.”
Your domestic violence shelter will give you all the resources for your immediate transition from the danger you live to safe housing. They may even have a domestic abuse legal advocate that will help you with your legal matters.
But what about your psychological care, who will tend to that? You can find a counselor or therapist with clinical background in domestic violence. Sometimes you may scratch your head wondering if you know more about domestic abuse than the therapist. Other times, you can hit the jackpot and find the professional healthcare provider that helps you usher yourself out of the darkness into the light.
Do you know the help you will want to secure in your quest to end domestic abuse? Do you know where you will find each piece of the puzzle as you transition from being in an abusive relationship to reclaiming yourself and your life?
Far too often domestic violence survivors don’t really know what they need or where to find it when they need it most. The more homework you do upfront, the better you will be in the long run.
The following is intended to help you inventory your needs and prioritize your securing help in meeting these needs.
1) Create an alliance with your local public abuse services for all immediate needs and steps to protect yourself from imminent danger.
2) Familiarize yourself with your residential options before you jump out of the “nest.”
3) Compile your personal documents and get your finances in order as best as can be done, even though you may not be accustomed to finance management.
4) Secure information and resources to help you obtain any protective orders you believe necessary to minimize conflict and danger by your abusive partner, especially upon and after your departure.
5) Engage a healthcare provider that is knowledgeable about the psychological, social and legal aspects of domestic abuse to help your navigate from the chaos to closure.
As in any journey, once you get your ducks in a row and line up your resources and soldiers, you will move from point A to point B more successfully. Your planning is key to your designing your exit and the outcome of your departure.
For more information and help in your planning, see Domestic Violence Resources.
Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D. helps people recognize, end and heal from domestic abuse at home and in court. Copyright 2009 http://www.EndDomesticAbuse.org/ebooks.php