Where to Turn for Help

In a crisis situation, a call to the police is a good place to start. Many people complain that the police do not take accusations of domestic violence seriously. That may be true in some circumstances, but on the whole, police are treating domestic violence situations more seriously and police officers are receiving increased training on the subject.

The local state’s attorney or district attorney may also be able to offer some help. An increasing number of hospitals, crisis intervention programs, domestic violence shelters, and social service agencies have programs to help victims of domestic violence. Agencies offering help in cases of domestic violence might be found in the Yellow Pages or online under “Domestic Violence Help,” “Human Services Organizations,” or “Crisis Intervention.”

If you are working with an attorney in connection with a divorce, the attorney should also be able to initiate the appropriate legal proceedings.