What Victims of Domestic Violence Can Do to Protect Themselves

Every year, domestic abuse in Washington claims lives that could have been saved. It harms countless men and women who feel caught in a downward spiral from which they cannot escape. In Yakima, domestic abuse cases are reported at higher-than-normal rates when compared to state averages. That means it is critical to stay vigilant for signs that you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship.

If you’re concerned, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself with everything from legal action to domestic abuse counseling in Yakima, WA.

Identify the warning signs

Before you can start to get help, you have to identify the warning signs that you are in an abusive relationship. If your partner begins to exhibit some or all of the following behavior, you might want to think about distancing yourself:

• Trying to control where you go or who you hang out with.
• Becoming overly upset when you defy them.
• Using guilt as a weapon.
• Insulting you or accusing you of adultery.
• Isolating you from friends and family members.

Of course, if a relationship ever extends into physical abuse, you should immediately take steps to protect yourself.

Leave

If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, the best thing you can do for your personal health is get out. You may feel as though you can change your partner for the better. You may even believe that you brought it on yourself. Neither of those things is true. Someone willing to berate or strike their loved ones is in need of psychological help, and it is not your responsibility (or burden) to provide it. You deserve better.

Get help

As soon as you’re able, you should enlist help. Wrenching yourself out of a domestic violence situation isn’t something to do on your own. You will require some domestic abuse counseling in Yakima, WA, as well as some assistance from authorities. Find a good counseling program to help yourself work through your emotions and get a restraining order so you can be ready to enlist the police at a moment’s notice.

Collect evidence

Whenever possible, get some proof of the abuse you’re suffering. Recordings, photos and messages can all be helpful when making the case against your abuser. This will come in especially handy if you’re trying to get custody of your children.

Have an emergency plan

Hopefully, the worst will never happen, but if you should find your abuser making unwanted contact with you, it is critical to have people you can call and a place you can go where you can be safe.

Counseling you can count on

If you need domestic abuse counseling in Yakima, WA, come to Apple Valley Counseling Services LLC. Since 2004, we have helped countless abuse victims regain the strength they need to live healthy, happy lives. We also offer several other counseling services for those dealing with drug and alcohol dependency, anger management issues, family problems and so much more.

Our skilled team of professionals is ready to help you. All you have to do is take the first step. Pick up the phone and give us a call today.

Categorised in: Domestic Abuse

This post was written by Writer