<center>To all of you who know first hand about abuse of any kind, my heart goes out to you. Remember that you are not alone, and that no matter what you may have been told, had beaten into you, you are NOT at fault. The fault lies with the abuser, always.
To those of you who are or feel you may possibly be abusers, please seek assistance. The damage you do can ruin a person's life forever, perhaps even end it. The after effects of abuse last a lifetime. I am still young so, in theory at least, I will be dealing with my past for 50 or 60 years. Think about that before you act. More and more people are coming forward with their stories of abuse and survival. That doesn't, however, mean that more and more abusers are being either sent to prison or made to get psychological help. Most abusers get away with their crimes. It is up to all of us to end this self perpetuating sickness. I plan on doing my part, what about you?
Jennifer Anne Sloan
August 2001
Jennifer Anne Sloan
~The Ravyn~
(8-17-77 - 5-16-04)
</center>
Leave immediately if you or your children are in danger!
Call a crisis hotline or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE or TDD 800-787-3224 (write this number down on a piece of paper and place it in your purse or wallet RIGHT NOW),
They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English, Spanish, and other languages. It can give you the phone numbers of local hotlines and other resources.
Don't ignore it or wait for it to go away. It won't go away.
Don't keep it to yourself. Get help. Talk with someone: a family member, friend, colleague, or even a member of the Poetry Pages.
If you've been hurt, get medical attention and call the police. Abuse is a crime. The police can help you find information about shelters. Do not wait for it to end or make excuses for the abuser.
Make plans for what you will do if you're attacked again.
When you decide to leave, choose a place to go and set aside some money. Put important papers - marriage license, birth certificates, checkbook, and irreplaceable papers and items - in a place where you can get them quickly.
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Clique aqui para instrucciones en Español
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Listings that have a website will have a <color=red>*</color> symbol before the name. Simply click on the name of the organization and it will take you to the website.</center>
If you do not find your state in this list, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) for assistance in locating programs in your area.
You can reach the NDVH at
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).