Child Abuse and Domestic Abuse Tips
Jan L. Warner & Jan Collins
Child abuse is damage to a child for which there is no reasonable explanation. If you suspect child abuse, ask your telephone operator for the phone number of a Child Abuse Hot Line in your area. Talk with a child protection service professional to see if the situation warrants an "official report." For instance, when a child is only given one meal a day, the problem may not be neglect the family may need food stamps or diet information. The child protection service will refer you to the appropriate agency.
Traits of a Healthy Survivor
In order to turn your back on an abusive spouse, you have to be able to tolerate being alone and taking responsibility for yourself. Everyone going through a divorce suffers pain and grief for periods of time.
The difference is that healthy survivors learn how to:
- Completely say goodbye to the marriage.
- Avoid domination and control by the other spouse.
- Deal with the pain in small doses, one day at a time.
- See beyond the divorce period.
In the beginning, you handle problems by acting as though you have the important things under control. Little by little, your confidence will grow. Ask for help when you feel that you cannot go it alone!
Victims Must Take the Initiative
The availability of domestic violence shelters and support systems is good news. But the bad news is that when women take the initiative to help themselves, and thereby break the power their men have over them, the men often react with increased rage.
For this reason, women should keep emergency telephone numbers close to the phone. Since "911" or "0" are the quickest ways to get emergency help, it is important that all members of the household know these phone numbers.
Victims of Abuse Should Be Prepared
If you are living with an abusive spouse, there are things you can do for your own protection:
Find a safe place for emergency money, car keys, and important documents so you can get them in a hurry.
Arrange for a safe place where you and your children can go on a moment's notice, such as the home of a close friend or relative, or an emergency shelter.
Memorize the phone number of the local police department.
