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Safety Tips - 
Dealing With Domestic Violence

Seven Steps to Escaping the Violence

1. Go to a Safe Place

It's a crime to threaten or hit another person. If you are the victim of domestic violence, you have the right to protect yourself and to expect help from others. Don't stay in your home. Doing nothing solves nothing. Go to a friend, neighbor, or relative. Call the Women’s Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven of Waterbury Domestic Violence Hotline at 203-575-0036. Temporary shelter is available for victims of domestic violence and their children. The important thing is to get to a safe place as quickly as possible!

2. Call the Police

If you are in a battering relationship, you cannot control the situation; therefore it is important to report any assault or battery to the police or sheriff's department by calling 9-1-1 immediately. In some states, officers will arrest a batterer if there are any physical signs of injury. The sooner you report a battering the better. By allowing others to become involved you are helping yourself, and helping the batterer.

3. Follow Through

Get the name and the phone number of the police officer investigating your case. If there is enough evidence against your assailant, an arrest will be made. There will be an arraignment before a judge and bail will be set. If bond is posted, the batterer will be released until a preliminary hearing is held. It is common for victims to fear for their safety during this time. You are a witness in the case, and tampering with a witness is a crime. If you are harassed or threatened by anyone regarding the case, report it to the police and ask that action be taken.

4. Don't Beleive... "I'll Never Hit You Again"

Criminal prosecution and/or civil action (divorce or separation) are options for any battered person. Often the batterer is unable to admit there is a problem. Counseling is only helpful if both partners want help and are motivated to work together. If the abuse is habitual or extremely violent, the batterer may need long term therapy. Information on counseling and therapy for a victim or batterer is available through referrals from the Women’s Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven of Waterbury.

5. Consider Your Future Safety

If the batterer refuses to seek help, it is unlikely the beatings will stop. Statistics show the beatings will become more and more severe. Protect yourself. The Women’s Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven of Waterbury will assist you in obtaining a restraining order requiring your batterer to stay away from you, your residence, and your workplace.

6. Look For Help!

You're not alone. There are many places in the Greater Waterbury area where victims of domestic violence may seek help. Check with private social service agencies, churches or the Women’s Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven of Waterbury (203-575-0036). Don't be ashamed to ask for help!

7. Provide For The Future!

Even if you've never worked before, you can become self-supporting. Contact the Connecticut Department of Labor Office near you. For the address and telephone number, check the Blue Pages in your telephone directory. Community education classes are open to those who would like to complete high school or who want to learn job-related skills. Assistance such as help with registration, academic counseling, support groups, and childcare is also available for men and women returning to school for further education. Contact a counselor at your local community college. Contact the Women’s Emergency Shelter/Safe Haven of Waterbury for….

• Support in court appearances 

• Crisis counseling

• Information about your case

• Property return assistance

• Assistance during court proceedings

• Witness waiting room

• Referral to community agencies

• State victim compensation assistance

• Restraining Order assistance

• Support groups

• Child abduction recovery

• Speaker's bureau

If you have any questions or need assistance please contact:

Watertown Police Department (860) 945-5200