Am I a victim/Do I know a victim?
Sometimes it’s hard to recognize that you are a victim of abuse. Here is a checklist to help you define instances of abuse.
- Have you or your children been shoved, slapped, punched, kicked, or hit?
- Have you been told you can’t do anything right, you’re an unfit parent, or you don’t deserve anything?
- Do you believe the violence is somehow your fault?
- Are you isolated from friends and family because of your partner’s jealousy?
- Have you been hurt when you were sick or pregnant?
- Has your partner threatened to hurt your child/children or pet?
- Have you been accused of having affairs?
- Does your partner’s threats of violence control your decisions or influence your behavior?
- Have you had things thrown at you or had personal items destroyed or taken from you?
If you have experienced or are experiencing these circumstances, you are a victim of abuse. You can end the abuse and be safe – Hubbard House can help! If you are in immediate danger, get help now – call 911. If you are not in immediate danger, but are planning to leave an abusive home or are not sure what you should do call the 24-hour Hubbard House Hotline at (904) 354-3114 or toll-free at (800) 500-1119.
What do I do if I know someone is a victim?
Here are some ideas for you to consider when you know or suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence. Always remember that you must consider the safety of the victim as well as your and your family’s safety when offering assistance. When in doubt, call the police; it is not recommended to engage in a physical confrontation with an abuser. The decision to shelter a victim if their life is being threatened should be used with great caution and may not be the safest option for you or the victim of domestic violence.
- Call 911.
- Call the Hubbard House hotline at (904) 354-3114. You do not need to be the actual victim to ask for assistance.
- Recommend that the victim call Hubbard House.
- Let the victim know you are concerned for her/his safety and help her/him secure safety and shelter.
- Don’t ask questions that blame the victim such as: “Why haven’t you left?” “How come you let that happen?” “What did you say to provoke him/her?” Remember, victims of domestic violence often are afraid to leave their abuser or don’t have the resources to leave, thus they remain in the relationship because they don’t feel they have any other choice or option.
- Be supportive and offer resources for safety.
- Follow through on your promises of support.
- Remain nonjudgmental.
You can help end the cycle of violence for someone you care about and love. Let Hubbard House be a resource for you to better understand how you can help. Call our 24-hour Hubbard House Hotline at (904) 354-3114 or toll-free at (800) 500-1119.
If you or anyone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House Domestic Violence Hotline at (904) 354-3114 or at (800) 500-1119.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE
Founded in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 5,000 women, children and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic child care, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.