Information for Survivors of Relationship Violence
If you are experiencing violence or abuse in your relationship, you are not alone. There is help and support available.
Talk with someone about your experience.
Abusive partners may attempt to isolate you from friends and family who care about you. The feelings you have about the abuse may also make it hard to reach out. Reaching out and connecting with others can help break this cycle of isolation and increase your safety. In addition to friends and family, you may also consider talking to a counselor at the Counseling & Wellness Center, the Alachua County Crisis Center, or Peaceful Paths.
Educate yourself on warning signs and the cycle of violence. learn more...
Remember that you are not to blame. Abusive partners may blame you for their actions. This is an abusive tactic. It is not the truth. Regardless of your actions, no one deserves to be abused.
Consider your legal options.
If you partner has been violent with you, you may have the option of getting a protective or restraining order. You also have the option of reporting any incidents of violence to the police. To learn more about these options, contact the University of Florida Office of Victim Services, “The Source” program, or Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Hotline. Advocates from these agencies will NEVER force you to make a report, but they can help you understand your legal options.
Plan for your safety.
Staying in an abusive relationship is dangerous, and at times leaving can be even more dangerous. Only you know when it is safe to take action. Advocates at the Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Hotline can help you plan for your safety and may be able to help you access emergency housing.
Additionally:
- Think ahead about scenarios that will likely cause an argument between you and your partner. Do your best to avoid having these arguments in spots where you are cornered or where there are weapons available such as in the garage or kitchen.
- Consider keeping a list of resources from the Campus and Community Resources page with you in an unobtrusive way. If your partner is violent with you, you may need to be extremely careful about what you keep and where.
- Consider keeping a set of spare keys and some money in a place that you can get to in a hurry. If you live in a residence hall or an apartment complex, you may be able to leave these essentials with a nearby friend.
- Plan ahead about safe places you can go in case you need to leave.
- Think about other ways your partner may have access to information about you (email, facebook, your text messages). If you decide to leave, make sure you do not communicate your location using these means.
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