Finding a Safe Place
For some people it seems relatively easy – you feel threatened by your spouse or have taken his or her abuse one too many times, so you call up a friend or family member and are welcomed into their safe and supporting arms. The abuser does not know where this person lives or does not come to harass you there. You get help, contact authorities – do what you have to in order to feel secure and begin the road to recovering from your violent circumstances.
In reality, things are rarely so straightforward. You may not have relatives or friends to whom you can immediately turn, or you may fear your spouse will find out where you are and endanger even more lives. This fear can be paralyzing. Feeling powerless can keep victims in abusive situations indefinitely, even when they have made the resolution time and again to get out.
Whatever your circumstances, remember this: you can get help. People are there for whether you know it or not, and all you have to do is make a phone call or two. If you feel trapped in an abusive situation, first get out, contact police, and ask for a list of local shelters. Your local YWCA offers temporary shelter for women in such dire straits, and can give you the relief necessary to move on.
If you are unable to find a shelter that feels comfortable, contact the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) by calling 800-656-HOPE. You can also visit the Family Violence Prevention fund and click “Getting Help” at the bottom of their web page.
No matter where you are, keep a steady eye on the fact that anywhere else is better than where you were. Focusing on this will keep you motivated and prevent you from going back to what you know in your heart is a damaging and dangerous situation.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been affected by domestic violence, first contact the authorities and find a safe place. When the time is right, get in touch with the San Jose family lawyers at the offices of Daniel Jensen, P.C. by calling 408-296-4100 to discuss the steps you can take toward legal separation and freedom from an abusive situation.
