Resources for Domestic Violence
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time in which we reflect upon the impact it has on lives of so many people and advocates around the world come together to mobilize action. If you know I work full time in domestic violence field. It happens to more people than we think we know. So, I wanted to share some resources and information about it.
This October commit to make changes at your workplace or help a friend or family member. #Every1KnowsSome1
Domestic Violence is not always easy to spot. It doesn’t come with bruises or black eye, it can exist in many different forms verbal, psychological, financial, emotional, sexual etc. Survivors may be controlled or forced into doing something they don’t want to or be intimidated by their partner. You might not be able to look at a person and determine if they are going through abuse.
There are many reasons survivors decide to stay in their abusive relationships. Often it is difficult for them to talk to someone they trust.
That’s why I want to create a list of resources. I am attaching all the links for local, South Asian focused and National organizations. This list might not be comprehensive and will be updated periodically.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in which one person gains and maintains power and control over another person in the relationship. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.
Victims can be of any age, sex, race, culture, religion, education, employment or marital status. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender; living together, separating, dating or related.
There are many forms of abuse used to gain and maintain power and control over another person such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse and financial abuse. Some tactics used to gain and maintain power and control over another person are; threats of violence, pushing, slapping, pinching, biting, punching, kicking, strangulation, sexual coercion, name calling, isolation, intimidation, breaking one self-esteem down, withholding money, stalking etc.
If you are a victim of domestic violence please know that you are not alone, it is not your fault and help is available.
Click on this link for more information on DV
What is Retraining order or Order of Protection?
- A protective order is a legal document intended to prohibit your partner from physically coming near you or harming or harassing you, your children, or other loved ones.
- You can apply for a protective order at courthouses.
- Protective orders may be able to put a stop to physical abuse but they depend on your partner’s adherence to the law and law enforcement’s willingness to enforce the protective order. Psychological abuse is still possible, and a protective order should never replace a safety plan.
How can you help if you find out someone is an abusive relationship?
- Listen to them, without any Judgements. Sometimes an ear that listens to them and just being there is far more important.
- Do not provide solutions, remember adults can make their decision and if it was easy to leave, then probably they would have already done that.
- Share local DV hotline numbers.
- If you witness some sort of physical assault, best thing is to call police and do not intervene, it can be dangerous for both of you.
- Support your local agencies working on DV by donating resources, money or your time. It’s always appreciated and goes a long way.
National
DV hotline – https://www.thehotline.org/
NCADV – The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
NJ based organizations County wise – njcedv.org
NJCASA – Sexual Assault
South Asian Organizations Statewide
CALIFORNIA
CONNECTICUT
GEORGIA
ILLINOIS
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSSETS
MICHIGAN
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
NORTH CAROLINA
OHIO
- ASHA- Ray of Hope
TEXAS
WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON D.C
It takes a village or community to stop Domestic Violence. You are not Alone.