If you are being abused, call the Domestic Violence Program at Northwest Hospital at 410-496-7555.
Domestic violence is sometimes referred to as intimate violence because the physically or emotionally harmful acts occur between individuals in an intimate relationship. Abuse between intimate partners can take many forms and may include:
- Emotional or verbal abuse
- Denial of access to resources or money
- Restraint of normal activities or freedom (including isolation from friends and family)
- Sexual coercion or assault
- Threats to kill or harm
- Physical intimidation or attacks
- In extreme cases, domestic violence can result in the death of a partner.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. It can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender or income level. Domestic violence is among the leading causes of death for pregnant women, and 52 percent of female murder victims were killed by their male partners.
Does your partner:
- Humiliate you in front of others?
- Act jealous and possessive?
- Try to isolate you from your family and friends?
- Throw, push, hit, choke, kick or slap you?
- Blame you for his/her actions, promise it won't happen again, but then it does?
- Force you to have sex when you don't want to?
- Threaten to hurt or kill you or your children?
Take steps to protect yourself.
Pack a bag and keep it in a safe place such as work or a friend's house. Include the following for you and your children:
- Clothes and money
- Photo identification and Social Security card
- Deed or lease to apartment or house
- Checkbook, bank statement, ATM and credit cards
- Medical insurance cards and needed medications
- Pictures of other evidence of abuse and/or court papers
- Copy of a recent pay stub
- Extra set of house and car keys
- Children's clothes, medications and favorite toys
Plan a safe way to get away when in danger:
- Avoid rooms with only one escape.
- Avoid rooms with weapons, such as the kitchen.
- Stay near a phone.
- Plan a signal with your children or neighbor to call police.
- Plan in advance where you would go if you had to leave.
- Trust your instincts. If you sense danger, get to a safe place.
Abusive relationships are difficult to leave. Get help before it's too late.
Northwest Hospital's Domestic Violence Program provides:
- 24/7 response to victims seeking treatment in the hospital
- Safety planning and short-term crisis counseling
- Connections to local agencies for therapy, shelter and legal services
- Connection with court advocates for court accompaniment
All services are free of charge. For more information or to get help now, call 410-496-7555.
24-hour crisis hotline: Baltimore County Domestic Violence Hotline: 410-828-6390