What do I do if I have been battered?

If you have experienced an incident of abuse by your partner, the most important fact to keep in mind is that help exists. From crisis lines to shelter, Stanislaus County has ample resources that many victims of abuse may not be aware of. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the following information if you believe that you may be in an abusive relationship, or even if you believe there is the slightest possibility.

The first thing that an abuse victim should do is call the police. Do not try to take matters into your own hands or try to resolve the problem within the family. Law enforcement will make sure that you are safe from any more violence by removing the abuser from the home, issuing a temporary protective order (lasting five days) and enforcing any protective orders to make sure that the abuser does not intimidate or harass you.

Stanislaus County has a women's shelter program to assist you with temporary shelter, crisis lines, counseling, support groups and restraining order assistance. If you need to leave the house immediately, call the shelter in your area for assistance. The locations are confidential and you will be kept safe. If you are in an abusive relationship and need advice, the crisis lines are available 24 hours a day.

If you decide that living with abuse is no longer an acceptable way of life for you and your children, the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Victim Services Division can provide assistance to you in seeking a restraining order. The local women's shelter can assist in the restraining order process.