Love Shouldn’t Hurt!
There is NO excuse for domestic violence.

Are you worried about someone?

Does your husband or lover scare you?

Why Get Help?
It can be dangerous when one person tries to always be in charge. Some people insult, threaten and even hit people they love. They don’t do it because of stress, anger, drugs or alcohol. They do it to control others. If one thing doesn’t work, they try something worse. Every year thousands of women are hurt or killed by men they love. These men lose their families, get arrested and go to jail because of their actions.

What hurts you hurts your Children.

Children get hurt when their parents get hurt. They may feel scared and ashamed. They may think it is their fault. These children grow up thinking it’s okay to hurt others. They think it’s okay for people to hurt them. A third of all children who see their mothers hit have emotional problems. Boys who watch their fathers beat their mothers are ten times more likely to hit their girlfriends and wives when they grow up. Everyone has the right to feel safe.

Domestic violence hurts everyone in the family. A person who hurts others loses the respect and trust of those he loves. The person who gets hurt becomes more and more afraid.

With help, people can get out of violent relationships. Victims can find safety and new lives. People who use violence can learn not to use it.

Learn The Warning Signs.

People sometimes argue. That is normal. Trying to control someone through threats or force is not. That is domestic violence. It can start with simple insults or jealousy. And, it gets worse over time.

People who hurt others are responsible for their own actions. Only they can change them.

DON’T wait until you

and the ones you love get hurt.

If you are in danger now,
CALL 911

Watch for these signs of Domestic Violence.

Does your partner:
· Insult you in public and private?
· Check up on where you’ve been and who you’ve talked to?
· Put down your friends and family?
· Tell you jealousy is a sign of love?
· Blame you for the abuse?
· Limit where you go and what you do?
· Try to control your money?
· Destroy your things?
· Threaten to hurt you, your family, or pets?
· Make you have sex in ways or at times that are uncomfortable to you?
· Touch you in ways that hurt or scare you?
· Tell you your fears are not important

If any of these things happen to you, you might be in danger. Domestic violence hurts both you and the people you love.

You Are Not Alone.

Think about getting some help.
Talk to friends about your problem.

How To Help Others.

We have learned not to let friends drive drunk. We have learned to help stop crime. How can you help someone out of domestic violence?

If you see someone getting hurt, call 911. If you just suspect a person is being abused:
· Take the time to listen, and believe what your friend says.
· Don’t downplay the danger.
· Don’t judge or criticize your friend’s choices.
· Give emotional support.
· Offer to help by taking care of the kids or driving her somewhere.
· Express concern for your friend’s safety.
· Let your friend know about agencies that can help.

If you think someone is being abusive:
· Tell them you feel bad when they insult their spouse or partner.
· Tell them their actions bother you.
· Tell them you care about them and urge them to contact a group that can help them.
· Don’t agree with any excuses they make for the violence.

Getting out of a violent
relationship can take time.

Stick by your friend and don’t expect
changes overnight.

What To Do?

Go to people who care about you. They may be your friends, family, or someone at a group listed in this brochure. Talk to them in private, safe place.

If your husband or lover is abusive, plan to protect yourself and your children. You may have to leave in a hurry.

If you are abusive, be honest with yourself. Think of what might happen to you. Get help.

Domestic violence happens to all kinds of people. It doesn’t matter who you are, how well educated or rich you are. It might happen to your teenage daughter. It might happen to your best friend or next-door neighbor. It might happen to you.

Together we can stop domestic violence before it starts. Friends, family, co-workers and other people who care can offer help. That help can save lives.

Organizations That Can Help.

Domestic Violence Recorded Information Line		(206) 205-5555

If you need shelter, contact
Broadview Emergency Shelter (V/TDD)*			(206) 622-4933
Catherine Booth House*					(206) 324-4943
Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN) (V/TDD)*	        (206) 622-1881
Eastside Domestic Violence Program
	(V/TDD)* or					(206) 746-1940
	(V/TDD)*					(800) 827-8840
YWCA - Shelter (V/TDD)					(206) 461-4882
New Beginnings*						(206) 522-9472

The following is a list of non-profit agencies in King County providing
specialized domestic violence services and counseling.

Victim services
Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services			
	24-hour Crisis line (TDD only)			(206) 236-3134
	Office phone (TDD only)				(206) 726-0093
Advocates for Abused and Battered Lesbians (TDD)        (206) 547-8191
Consejo Counseling and Referral Service (TDD)		(206) 461-4880
Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN)		
	(V/TDD 24-hour crisis line)*			(206) 656-7867
	(Advocates) (TDD)				(206) 656-8423
Eastside Domestic Violence Program			
	(V/TDD)* or					(425) 746-1940 
	(V/TDD)*					1-800-827-8840
New Beginnings (V/TDD)*	         		        (206) 522-9472
Refugee Women’s Alliance				(206) 721-0243
Seattle Indian Health Board				(206) 324-9360 ext. 802
YWCA African-American Family Network			(206) 461-8480

Batterer treatment services
Eastside Mental Health Center				
	Eastside Behavioral Responsibility Program (EBRP)  (206) 889-7101
Veterans Affairs Medical Center				(206) 764-2007
Consejo Counseling and Referral Service (TDD)		(206) 461-4880
Northwest Family Life Skills				(206) 363-9601
Family Services Domestic Violence Treatment		(206) 461-8369
Highline/West Seattle Mental Health Center (V/TDD)      (206) 241-0990
Ina Maka Family Program					(206) 325-0070
Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities	(206) 282-9307

Statewide 24-hour crisis hotline
WA State Domestic Violence Hotline (V/TDD)		1-800-562-6025


* 24-hour Line.
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