• Call 911
  If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911.
  
  
• Lethality Assessment
  It is a good reality check to perform a lethality assessment. Having a sense of the batterer’s lethality is essential for safety planning and making informed decisions about your situation.
  
  
• Safety Planning
  Develop a personalized safety plan for your situation. You know the batterer’s patterns, triggers, and behaviors. Use this knowledge to plan ahead. Always think of your safety.
  
  
• Get Help
  Here are domestic violence agencies that can help you get shelter, counseling, support groups, legal aid, food, and many other services. Contact a Domestic Violence Agency to learn more about the services available in your area. If you need to speak with a crisis counselor immediately, call the National Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or TDD 1-800-787-3224.
  
  
• Legal Options
  Domestic violence is a serious crime. The batterer may be committing criminal offenses that are punishable with jail time or probation. In addition, there are civil remedies that may be available to you such as Protective Orders, Divorce, Custody or other legal actions. Learn about your legal rights by contacting a Domestic Violence Agency in your area.
  
  
• Understand
  Knowledge is one of the most powerful resources. Learn about the dynamics of domestic violence, including myths, the cycle of violence and coercive behavior. Find a book by going to your local library or read more information at What is Domestic Violence. Remember to keep these materials in a safe place.
  
  
• Talk
  Talk with someone you can trust about what is happening. Breaking the silence of violence is the first step to a safer life.

Batterers
If you are a batterer or are concerned that you may be abusing your partner help is available. Remember, battering is a choice. You can choose to stop the violence.

Taking the actions below can help you stop the violence

• Leave the Scene
  If you are angry and frustrated with your partner, leave and go somewhere safe and peaceful. This step gives yourself valuable time to collect your thoughts and feelings.
  
  
• Cool Down
  If you are angry and frustrated with your partner, focus on something else. Working out, taking a brisk walk, listening to music are all productive ways to vent your feelings.
  

• Get Help
  There are domestic violence treatment programs that can help you learn how to live without violence. Contact a Domestic Violence Agency to learn more about the services available in your area. If you need to speak with a crisis counselor immediately, call the National Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or TDD 1-800-787-3224.
  
  
• Think About the Consequences
  Domestic violence hurts and damages the very people that you love. It also is a serious crime and may result in a criminal conviction or civil legal proceedings.
  
  
• Understand
  Knowledge is one of the most powerful resources. Learn about the dynamics of domestic violence, including myths, the cycle of violence and coercive behavior. Find a book by going to your local library or read more information at What is Domestic Violence.
  
  
• Talk
  Talk with a friend, counselor, co-worker, neighbor or anyone else outside of the violent situation.

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