The National Coalition of Domestic Violence, opens a new window defines domestic violence as "the willing intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or abusive behavior as a part of systemic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another." According to NCDV, "on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men." More statistical facts on domestic violence and the number of occurrences in the United States can be found here, opens a new window.
There are warning signs to domestic violence. Abuse Intervention gives a list of common warning signs, opens a new window of domestic violence and can serve as a possible alert to abusive behavior.
Help Guide , opens a new windowdiscusses the emotional distress that can be a result of domestic abuse by stating:
- You are not to blame for being battered or mistreated
- You are not the cause of your partner's abusive behavior
- You deserve to be treated with respect
- You deserve a safe and healthy life
- Your children deserve a safe and healthy life.
Psychology Today , opens a new windowdiscussed the five steps to prevent domestic violence during quarantine.
There are many nationwide assistance programs for victims of domestic abuse:
The Office of Women's Health has a detailed plan for leaving an abusive relationship that can be accessed here, opens a new window.
The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence gives a domestic violence personalized safety plan. To see the detailed pdf version of the list that can be printed for future reference, click here, opens a new window.
The Family and Youth Services Bureau lists assistance, opens a new window for cases of domestic abuse.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE. The hotline is 24/7 and all communication is strictly confidential. You can reach the hotline by calling the toll-free number, or chat online by visiting their website, opens a new window.
The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health has a nationwide list of organizations designed to help in domestic violence cases. The website can be accessed here by clicking here, opens a new window.
Safe Homes Domestic Violence Center has a 24 hr crisis hotline, 706-736-2499 or toll free at 1-800-799-SAFE. Safe Homes also has emergency shelters, legal advocacy, support group, counseling services, and safety planning.
Break the Cycle inspires and supports ages 12-24 to build healthy relationships and create a culture without abuse. Break the Cycle can be accessed by clicking here, opens a new window.
St. Tammany Parish has assistance programs for domestic abuse:
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Office has a 24 hour domestic violence crisis line 1-888-411-1333. If it is an emergency, dial 911, opens a new window.
Safe Harbor, a local community organization designed to assist with cases of domestic violence, has a 24 hour crisis line: 985-626-5740 or toll-free at 888-411-1333.
Shelters in St. Tammany Parish and surrounding parishes for victims of domestic violence can be accessed by clicking here, opens a new window.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services provides free civil legal aid to low income people in 22 parishes throughout southeast Louisiana. To apply for legal assistance, call 1-844-244-7871.
The 22nd Judicial Court provides the legal process of getting a restraining/protective order in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. Forms for restraining/protective orders can be found by clicking here, opens a new window.
The State of Louisiana assistance programs for domestic abuse:
The Louisiana statewide domestic violence hotline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours at 1-888-411-1333. Their website can be accessed at: https://lcadv.org/, opens a new window.
WomensLaw.org has state resources, opens a new window on shelters, locating an attorney, courthouse locations, and sheriff departments.
In addition, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has a domestic violence facts sheet for the State of Louisiana that can be accessed by clicking here, opens a new window.
If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, remember you are not alone! There are assistance programs and people who care.
Due to the sensitive nature of this subject, this discussion is strictly informational and is not meant to replace consultation with legal, social, medical, and mental health authorities.
References:
Abusive Intervention. Common Signs of Domestic Violence https://abuseintervention.org/sandbox77/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Common-Warning-Signs-of-Domestic-Violence.pdf, opens a new window
Break the Cycle: Because Everyone Deserves a Healthy Relationship. https://www.breakthecycle.org/blog/it%E2%80%99s-national-domestic-violence-awareness-month, opens a new window
Help Guide. How to Get Out of an Abusive Relationship https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/getting-out-of-an-abusive-relationship.htm, opens a new window
National Coalition of Domestic Violence https://ncadv.org/learn-more, opens a new window
National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence http://www.ncdsv.org/images/DV_safety_plan.pdf, opens a new window
Women's Health. Domestic Violence https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/domestic-violence/signs-domestic-violence, opens a new window
Domestic Violence, opens a new window
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