Leaving an abusive relationship can be a difficult decision. Some woman stay with their abuser because they believe he may change. Others are afraid of what their partner will do if he discovers she is trying to leave. Most are frightened to begin a new life by themselves. The good news is that there are several agencies which offer support to abused and battered women.
For Immediate Help
Any woman who finds herself in a violent or dangerous situation or believes that abuse is imminent should call 911.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) is available to offer assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. The hotline counsels women on how to stay safe and locates shelters and protection advocates in or around a caller's area. All calls are kept confidential and anonymous.
Crime victims can register online and acquire information on the custody status of offenders at VineLink. Once registered, the abuse victim can learn where an offender is being held and be informed by phone, email or text message if his custody status changes or if he is released or transferred to a different prison. VineLink is currently available in all states except for South Dakota, Kansas and Maine.
Financial Assistance
Money and finances play a significant role for many victims who are considering leaving a violent relationship. The Allstate Foundation provides grants of up to $1,000 to help domestic violence victims obtain financial independence. The money can be used for job training, education, clothing and other resources needed to enter and remain in the workforce. Women can apply for a grant by going to the Allstate Foundation's online site.
Amy's Courage Fund gives emergency financial assistance of up to $2,000 to domestic violence victims. The funds can be put towards moving and transportation expenses, rent, security deposits, utilities, doctor bills or other expenses incurred to meet immediate needs. All applications must be submitted online through Amy's Courage Fund.
Legal Help
Legal advice and support to victims of domestic violence is offered through the online site, Women's Law. The site offers recommendations on how to end a violent relationship, locate an attorney, collect evidence of abuse and prepare for court.
Medial Assistance
Give Back a Smile was created by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to restore broken and damaged teeth of victims of domestic violence. All work is performed pro bono by volunteer dentists and laboratory technicians. For more information, they can be reached at 800-773-4227 or through their online site.
Face to Face performs reconstructive surgery to abuse victims who have received injuries to the face, head and neck. The program is staffed by plastic surgeons, nurses, speech pathologists and anesthesiologists who volunteer their time and expertise. All services are free. Face to Face can be contacted online or at 800-842-4546.
Sources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline, http://www.thehotline.org.
The VineLink, http://www.vinelink.com.
Women's Law, http://www.womenslaw.org.
National Network to End Domestic Violence, http://www.nnedv.com.
Face to Face, http://www.facetofacesurgery.com.
Give Back a Smile, http://www.aacd.com.
Danielle McGinnis - Danielle McGinnis is the mother of a college freshman and full-time freelance writer.
