What You Need to Know to Keep You and Your Children Safe

There is no excuse for abuse

What you need to know to keep you and your children safe.

Essex District Attorney
Jonathan Blodgett

DOMESTIC ABUSE and CHILD ABUSE OFTEN GO HAND IN HAND

• More than half of people who abuse their partners also abuse their children.
• Children who live in homes with domestic abuse are more aware of the abuse than their parents realize and are more likely to become batterers or victims as adults.
• Children who live in homes with domestic abuse have higher rates of anxiety, substance abuse, delinquency and violent acts than children in non-violent homes.

Signs that your relationship is abusive:

• You are not allowed to see friends or family.
• Your money is monitored and controlled.
• Your partner has unpredictable mood swings.
• Your partner has used force or has threatened to use force with you or your children.

Steps to take to get help and stay safe:

• Contact a local domestic violence agency to get support. You can remain anonymous.
• Make a safety plan (identify places to go if your partner is violent, keep money, keys,  important papers together so you can get them quickly).
• Call 911 if your partner is violent and you are in fear for yourself or your children.

Places to call for help or more information:

• SAFELINK – 877-785-2020
• Essex Children’s Advocacy Center – 978-354-2819
• HAWC – 978-744-6841
• Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center –  978-388-1888
• YWCA of Greater Lawrence - 978-688-2645
• Essex District Attorney’s Office – 978-745-6610
• www.janedoe.org
• www.mass.gov/essexda

Supported by MOVA through a VOCA grant from OVC, OJP, U.S.DOJ.