DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Survival Tips for You and Your Family

END THE ABUSE!

Start by Calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE(7233)
HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you are a victim of a domestic violence crime it is normal to feel scared, helpless, and vulnerable. Remember, you are not alone. Agencies which may help you are listed within the following link. PLEASE CALL.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
To end domestic violence in our communities, each One of us must take part in sending a strong message that domestic violence will not be tolerated and that abusers will be held accountable.
WARNING SIGNS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
  1. VERBAL ABUSE
    • Name Calling
    • Put Downs
    • Curse Words
  2. EMOTIONAL ABUSE
    • Possessiveness
    • Jealousy
    • Controlling Behavior
  3. PHYSICAL ABUSE
    • Shoving, Pushing, Slapping
    • Damage to Property or Pets
    • Forcing Sex
  4. ESCALATION
    • Threatens to Kill You
    • Abuse has Gotten Much Worse

GET HELP IMMEDIATELY!
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WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic violence is the use of abusive and violent behavior among people who are married, living together, or have an ongoing intimate or previous intimate relationship.

Domestic violence is about power and control of one person over another. It is NOT an anger issue or stress issue It occurs frequently and can often escalate in severity over time.

Domestic violence occurs among people of all races, ages, life-styles, and religions.
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DID YOU KNOW THAT...
  • Every 9 seconds a woman is beaten by an intimate partner.
  • 30% of women killed in the U.S. are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. Only 3% of male victims have been slain by wives or girlfriends.
  • In families where battering occurs, the rate of child abuse or neglect is 15% higher than the national average.
  • In 1998, Louisiana ranked #2 in the nation in the number of women killed by men.
  • Domestic violence is one of the greatest public health, law enforcement, criminal justice, and child welfare problems in Louisiana.

Whether or not you feel able to leave an abuser,
there are things you can do
to make you and your family safer.
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IN AN EMERGENCY
If you are at home and you are being attacked:
  • Get to a room with a phone to call for help, lock the abuser outside if you can.
  • Call 911 (or your local emergency number). It is better to he safe than sorry. When the police arrive, tell them exactly what happened; ask them not to question you in front of the abuser.
  • Think about a neighbor or friend you can run to for help.
  • Stay away from the kitchen (the abuser can find weapons, like knives, there)
  • Stay away from bathrooms, closets or small spaces where the abuser can trap you.
  • Get medical help if you are hurt.
  • Take pictures of bruises or injuries.
  • Call a domestic violence program or shelter; they are there to help you.

Help is only a phone call away!
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program is a service provided to victims of domestic violence. The program is designed to educate victims on all aspects of domestic violence in addition to educating them on their rights under Louisiana law.
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WHAT THE VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DOES:
Helps victims of domestic violence by offering:
  • Explanation of Victim's Constitutional Rights
  • Education on Domestic Violence
  • Referrals to available community resources
  • Explanation of the judicial process
  • The right to make a Victim Impact Statement
  • Personal court escort
  • Status and updates on court case
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