What To Do
What can you do about domestic violence if it happens to you?
Take the problem seriously, it will happen again.
Work out a safety plan for you and your children.
The Domestic Violence Prevention Act allows victims to get legal protection without an attorney. Contact CBW or the court nearest you for assistance.
Call CBW for information about abuse, your rights, and options at 425-25-ABUSE. Collect calls are accepted.
File for a protection order.
Call the police for help and tell them that you want a report filed. If no arrest is made, you can file charges yourself in a citizen's complaint.
Save evidence such as photographs of bruises and other injuries, ripped clothing, etc.
Remember that you are not alone. It is not your fault that your partner is violent.
In an emergency, call 911 for the police, get yourself and your children to a safe place, seek medical attention and call CBW for assistance.
What can you do if you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence?
If you know somebody who is being abused, listen to them and believe them. Let them know that the violence is not their fault, and that there are options available to them. Give them the CBW 24-hour hotline number and assure them that the call will be kept confidential.