Victims

Are you in an abusive relationship?

Warning Signs – Does your partner…

  • Criticize and degrade you?
  • Act jealous and possessive?
  • Control every aspect of your life?
  • Isolate you from your family and friends?
  • Control your finances?
  • Threaten to hurt or kill you and/or your children?
  • Become violent and then blame you?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be in an abusive relationship. By contacting the DVC, we can provide assistance particular to your individual situation. Below are some helpful tips about safety planning and your legal rights.

You are not alone.

Below you will find a downloadable document known as the Power and Control Wheel. The Power and Control Wheel was created after hearing hundreds of women
 describe similar themes in their stories of abuse.  It was designed to
 capture the similarities in a visual form so other victims could relate
 and know they are not alone, and non-victims could learn about the 
tactics used to gain and maintain power and control in an abusive
 relationship.

Power & Control Wheel

Some ways to help stay safe…

  • Consider making a safety plan
  • Since everyone’s circumstances are different, no single Safety Plan is right for everyone. The best way to stay safe is to create a personalized safety plan with the help of domestic violence professionals. For further assistance, please contact the DVC to develop a safety plan with a DVC staff member.
  • Keep a list of emergency contact phone numbers with you (i.e. trusted friend or family member, DVC 24-Helpline
410-997-2272)
  • Keep an overnight bag and important documents (personal & financial) someplace you can easily access and keep hidden
  • Register for a P.O. Box with the Postal Services
  • Talk with trusted friends or family member about how they can help in an emergency situation
  • In an emergency situation, call 911

You have these legal rights…