How to Get Help

 Domestic abuse is a common problem. It occurs when one person uses power and control to harm another person. These people may be married or dating. Abuse can be hitting, kicking, slapping, or slamming another person. It can mean keeping a person from medicine or doctors. It can mean controlling their money or where they go. Abuse can also mean calling a person names and playing tricks to confuse them. It can mean controlling what they wear. Children are often abused in homes where there is domestic abuse.

Millions of people experience domestic and dating abuse in this country each year. People may be injured or die from abuse.
A victim also may have:

• Ongoing health problems.
• A health care emergency.
• No home or job.
• Legal problems.
• Child safety concerns.
• Concern for overall safety.

Help is available for domestic violence victims. State domestic violence programs* offer many safe options for adults and teens who are being abused. Abused adults have options. Domestic abuse programs offer:

• Help for a victim.
• Help for a victim's child.
• Teen victim help.
• Legal services.
• Shelter rooms.
• 24-hour phone support.

Being a victim of abuse is never a victim's fault. There is free and confidential help ready for those who would like to talk about options.

*The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) has 60 programs in the state that offer safe shelter and other options.

To find the domestic abuse program in Pennsylvania nearest to you, visit Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and click on Find Help or use the Find Help map on the homepage.

To reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-SAFE (TTY 1-800-787-3224).

To reach the National Teen Dating Violence Hotline, call 1-866-331-9474 (TTY 1-866-331-8453) or text "loveis" to 77054.