Domestic Violence Is:
When grown-ups in your family hit, kick, push or throw things at someone else in your family.
- It might make you feel scared, confused or mad.
- It can make you feel like crying or yelling.
- It might make you feel embarrassed or guilty, but it's not your fault.
When The Fighting Starts:
- Stay away from the fight
- Stay out of the room where the fighting is.
- Stay out of the rooms where you might get trapped, like a closet or a bathroom.
- Stay out of the kitchen and garage, where it's easy to get hurt during a fight.
Get Help!
- Go to a safe place, like a neighbor's or friend's house.
- If you need help right now, try to call 911 from a room away from the fighting.
Things To Think About
- Which doors, windows or stairs are the safest way to get out of your house during a fight?
- Which grownups could you talk to about getting help?
Remember: It’s not your fault!
- It's okay to love both of your parents, even if one parent is hurting the other.
- But it's not okay for that parent to hurt you, your other parent or anyone else.
People Who Can Help
- Friends and Neighbors
- Teachers
- Police Officers
- Doctors
- Clergy
- Lawyers and Judges
- Relatives, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents
Safety At Home
- Call 911 for police help, if you are afraid that you or someone will be hurt.
- Tell the police where you are and give the address.
- Tell the police who is being hurt, and who is involved.
- Practice how to get out of your home safely. Which doors, windows or stairs would be best?
- Which neighbors can you go to for help?
Safety At School
- If you are afraid of being hurt, tell:
- A teacher
- School police
- Parent
- School nurse
- Adult you trust
- Call 911
- Remember: You have the right to be safe!
Safety On The Street
- If you are afraid of being hurt:
- Go to the nearest store and ask them to call 911.
- Stay out of the fight
- Ask for help
- Find an adult who will help
- Everyone knows it's not your fault
If You Cannot or Do Not Want To Call 911:
- Tell:
- A teacher
- A minister, rabbi, or priest
- A parent
- Relative
- Nurse or doctor
- A trusted adult
- Call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-482-5964
- Call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453
Affects of Abuse on Children
Children May Feel:
- Powerless - Because they can't stop the violence
- Confused - Because it doesn't make sense
- Angry - Because it shouldn't be happening
- Guilty - Because they think they've done something wrong
- Afraid - Because they may be hurt, they may lose someone they love, or others may find out
- Alone - Because they think it's happening only to them
- Sad - Because it's a loss.
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