Domestic Violence: Safety and Support

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Domestic Violence doesn't stay at home when its victims go to work: it affects productivity, increases absenteeism and raises the risk of violence in the workplace. One in four American women report they have been physically abused by a husband, boyfriend, or partner at some point in their lives. Domestic abuse takes many forms, including emotional, economic, verbal, and sexual abuse. In any workplace, it is a certainty that employees are personally affected by Domestic violence.

Safety Issues are a priority on cases of domestic violence. The following suggestions may be helpful for someone in an unsafe situation:

• Memorize local emergency numbers you may need.
  
• Ask neighbors to call police if it sounds like violence is occurring.
  
• Keep a spare set of house keys and car keys handy; of you can, put aside some money for food, telephone calls and transportation in case of emergency.
  
• Think ahead about different ways you might be able to get yourself and your children out of the house.
  
• If you have a friend or family member that would be willing to hold onto some things for you, consider packing toiletries, medications and an extra set of clothes for yourself and your children and taking it to your friend or family member.
  
• If you leave your home, try to take something that has special meaning for your child, such as a toy or blanket, to help in the child's adjustment to new surroundings.
  
• Know exactly where you could go and how to get there even if you should need to leave in the middle of the night.
  
• Know where the closest pay phone is located and have quarters available.
  
• Develop a "code word" to use with your children, friends, or co-workers that will alert them to call the police.
  
• If appropriate, show your child safe ways to leave the house. Determine a safe place for them to go (a neighbor or family member or fiend) or to call the police.

Safety planning does not end when the relationship ends. It often becomes even more important when the person is no longer involved with or living with an abusive partner.

• Change your homes door and window locks.
  
• Obtain an Order of Protection. Make several copies. Keep a copy in your car, at work, and a safe place in your home.
• Keep a copy with you. Notify relevant persons that you have an order (baby-sitter, employer, neighbor); call the police immediately of the order has been violated.
  
• Change your telephone number or purchase an answering machine to screen your calls.
  
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times: while driving, shopping or working.
  
• If you have to meet with your ex-partner in person, do so in a public place you are familiar with. Notify a friend, family member, or co-worker where you will be and what time you will return.

Local shelters, support and crisis lines available:

	Vera House	468-3260
	Salvation Army Emergence Shelter	479-1332
	Salvation Army Women's Shelter	472-0947
	Cayuga County Battered Women's Program (Auburn)	253-3358
	Services to Aid Families (Oswego)	342-1600
	YWCA Hall House (Utica)	797-7740
	YWCA Aid to Women Victims of Violence (Cortland)	(607) 756-6363
	New York State Domestic Violence Hotline	English 1-800-942-6909
		Spanish 1-800-942-6908

The Employee Assistance Program is available at 464-5760 to help with referrals, safety planning, and support. Everyone deserves to be safe.