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Domestic Violence: This Ain't for Me!
Some of us aren't aware that it's happening to us, or we see it and try
to ignore it. Maybe our family is going through it and we're too scared
to ask anyone for help. What we're talking about here is domestic violence.
It's more common than we think:
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Forty percent of teenage girls ages 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who
has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend. What if one of those girls was your sister or
cousin?
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It's an awful reality, but often if guys try to step into an argument to protect their
mothers, they end up getting pulled in. The majority of sons over 14 who attempted to
protect their mothers get injured themselves, and 63% of boys 11 to 20 years old who
commit homicide kill a man who is abusing their mother.
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It's a cruel reality, but in case you don't see it yet, try swallowing this, 30% of women
between the ages of 15-19 murdered each year, are killed by their husbands or
boyfriends. Is that supposed to be love?
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These are the signs of an abusive person to watch out for if someone is in DANGER:
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Jealous, possessive, won't let the other partner have friends
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Tries to control by giving orders and tells partner what to do or wear
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Doesn't value partner's opinion and makes partner feel bad by name calling
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Threatens and scares
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Is violent and abuses drugs or alcohol
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Pressures partner for sex, is forceful and treats partner as a sex object
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Blames partner for causing abuse and says "you asked for it"
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Family and friends warn partner and they are worried about partner's safety
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Does not respect partner and is physically abusive
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Does not allow partner to go out, work or get phone calls, isolates partner
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What to do if you, or a person you know, is a victim of domestic violence:
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What to do if you, or a person you know, is a victim of domestic violence:
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Tell someone you trust, tell a teacher, family member, counselor or friend, or call 911
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If someone is afraid for their safety, gather valuable personal belongings and get to a
shelter or safe place to stay (friends or family)
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There's safety in numbers, don't remain alone
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Get a restraining order and talk to someone about legal rights
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Seek counseling
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Report abuse, the easiest way is to call 911
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Trust your instincts. If you feel you may be in danger let someone know what you are
doing, where you're going and when you'll be there, just in case
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Where to Find Help:
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Human Resources Agency-Child Protective
Services (confidential help):
(831) 454-2273
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Defensa De Mujeres/Women's Crisis Support
(24hr. crisis-line, shelter and counseling):
(831) 685-3737
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Youth Services (referral and counseling):
(831) 425-0771
1-800-4-A-CHILD
1-800-656-HOPE
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NOBODY DESERVES TO SUFFER ABUSE
(PHYSICAL, VERBAL, OR SEXUAL).
IT IS NOT O.K.?
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