You have a right to be safe
It is never right or okay for someone to hurt you. Yet nearly 25 percent of all women and 8 percent of all men have been raped or physically attacked by a current or former spouse, partner, or a date at some time in their lives.

The following questions indicate whether a person is being physically abused:

1. Have you been hit, kicked, punched, or otherwise hurt by someone in the past 12 months?

2. Are you married or involved in a close relationship with someone? If so, do you feel safe in that relationship?

3. Is there a partner from a previous relationship who is making you feel unsafe now?

If your answers show that you have been hurt or feel unsafe, we urge you to seek help. Talk to your doctor and follow these safety guidelines:

• Try to avoid rooms that do not have exits (bathrooms) or have weapons (kitchens);
• Try to stay in a room with a phone;
• Keep your purse and keys ready for you to leave quickly;
• Practice getting out of your home safely. Visualize your escape route, i.e. go over it in your mind;
• Practice a code word or signal with your neighbor, children, and other family members for when you need them to call the police;
• Teach your children how to call 911;
• Hide a bag packed with important items with someone you trust (examples: copies of documents you will need, any medication or needed aids);
• If you can, open a savings account or credit card in your own name or have money stored in a secret place.

Hot line help
To find a toll-free, 24-hour hotline in your area, visit the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence's "get help" site.

You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

For emergency help
If you need help now and do not feel you are safe, call 911 or go to your nearest ER immediately.

You can visit the following websites for more information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: www.ncadv.org
Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence: www.wcadv.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline: www.ndvh.org