If you or some one you know is a victim of Domestic Violence there are a number of ways in which you or they can get help.

Develop a Plan

One of the best first steps you can take is to develop a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe. This plan is different for everyone because every situation is different. However, there are some basic steps that any one can take. See the link on the left hand of this screen marked "Saftey Plan" for some ideas.

Call the Police

The police can do a number of things. Firstly, they can put a stop to any immediate danger by interupting the incident that is occuring. They can make an arrest and/or  they can issue a domestic incident report (DIR). For local precinct information go to the link labled "Additional Numbers" on the left hand side of this page.

Get an Order of Protection

An order of protection, some times called a restraining order, is an emergency action taken by the courts issued on behalf of a victim. There are two types of orders of protection, a refrain from and a stay away order of protection. A refrain from order is a court order directing an individual to refrain from acts or threats of physical violence. A stay away order directs the person to refrain from acts or threats of physical violence and also to stay away from that person. For more information about orders of protection and how to obtain one click on the link labled "Orders of Protection."

Call a Domestic Violence Agency

Brighter Tomorrows and other domestic violence agencies have hotline workers available to answer telephone calls and help you 24 hours a day 7 days a week. These people are trained in assiting victims of domestic violence and offer their services free of charge. They can help you formulate a plan to get out of an abusive relationship, navigate through the the legal system, get you safe housing and/or refer you to free counseling services in the area. For a full list of available services click on the link marked "Our Services."

Please remember no one deserves to be the victim of domestic violence. Help is available.

If you are a victim of domestic violence we can help.

24 Hour Hotline:631.395.1800