Domestic Abuse 101
Domestic Abuse 101
This page is part of the community awareness campaign sponsored by
Padma Sripada MD (Internal Medicine)
Columbia Internal Medicine & Laser Aesthetics
2500 Pond View Ste 202, Castleton NY 12033 , 518-391-2889
Embedded Files
I, Suryanarayana Chennapragada ('Surya' in short), and my daughter Padma Sripada MD (Internal Medicine) believe that hurtful behavior (verbal, emotional, economic, and physical) of most people has its roots in the suppressed trauma arising from neglect or abuse by their parents and/or caregivers or observing Domestic Abuse (DV) between their parents when they were children. This page focuses on various aspects of 'intimate partner abuse'. If you have suggestions to improve this page you can EMAIL me or send a message on my WhatsApp # +15189563433. 'Domestic abuse' is also called 'Domestic violence' (DV) and 'Intimate Partner Violence'.
Hotlines - FREE , 24/7, Anonymous - Capital region NYS & More
Hotlines - FREE , 24/7, Anonymous - Capital region NYS & More
Some of the following agencies may help even if you are not in their county. If you are unable to get help from one agency, it is worth contacting another agency.
What you can expect when you call a Hotline
What you can expect when you call a Hotline
In general, they show their concern by asking questions like the following -
"Thanks for reaching out."
"Are you in a safe place to talk?"
“How are you taking care of yourself?”.
They may offer support by asking questions like -
“Why don’t you tell me about your situation?”
“What have you considered so far?”
“Let’s brainstorm together.”
“What else is on your mind?”
NYS Hotlines
NYS Hotlines
NYS Capital Region
Equinox (Albany County)
518.432.7865 Chat Link
Contact page Services provided
Unity House (Rensselaer County)
518 272-2370 Text 518-720-6161
St. Peter's Crime Victim Services
518-271-3257 Contact page
YWCA NENY (Schenectady County)
518-374-3386 Contact page
Wellspring (Saratoga County)
518-584-8188 Chat Link
Contact page Services provided
Safe (Columbia county)
(866) 397-6161
NY State
NY State
NYS Office For Prevention of Domestic Violence
800-942-6906 Text 844-997-2121
NYS Coalition Against domestic Violence
518 482-5465
DV agencies in NYS - County-wise
Resources for victims of violence (NYS)
Resources for victims of violence (NYS)
Domestic violence/ Rape crisis, Law enforcement/public safety, Hospitals/ER's, Legal resources, Office for New
Americans (Immigrants integration and education)
New York State Domestic Violence Program Directory - Provides website link, contact details and scope of services.
Legal Resources
Legal Resources
The Legal Project (Capital District)
The Legal Project is a private, not- for-profit organization founded by the Capital District Women's Bar Association. It provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence who are income-eligible or who may not have access to funds.
Brochure PDF
Albany Family Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services
List of Hotlines published multiple times from 10/14/21 in the Advertiser (All zones of the Capital region)
National Level
National Level
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence WIki Page
303-839-1852
Resources covering a wide variety of needs including those working with victims and survivors of domestic violence. They don't provide direct services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline Wiki page
800-799- 7233 Text "START" to 88788
What to expect when you contact
They provide guidance but don't provide services. They refer to the relevant agency for services.
Love is respect For young people 13 to 26
Call 1.866.331.9474 Text 'LOVEIS' to 22522 Click the above link to see the CHAT link.
Click the above link
DV Agencies & Hotlines for South Asians (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka) - Contact information.
DV Agencies & Hotlines for South Asians (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka) - Contact information.
South Asian DV Organizations - Statewise Webpage of Narika.org
Legal Information and Services - Women's Law.org (Serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.)
Legal Information and Services - Women's Law.org (Serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.)
Click the above link and then your state to see links to Advocates and Shelters, Finding a Lawyer, Courthouse Locations and Sheriff Departments.
Custody/International Abductions
Email Hotline 24/7 - Answered or reviewed by an attorney
How Do You Find and Select a Good Lawyer?
Divorce information
Divorce information
A to Z of Divorce for NY State: Agreements, Attorney/Client Relationship, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Counseling, Divorce: General, Laws and Process, Domestic Abuse, Financial Planning, Foreign Divorce, Mediation, Parenting, Property Division, Spousal Support
DV and Divorce information - Concise information on DV and all aspects of Divorce by diviorcesource.com
Definitions of terms used in Domestic Abuse and related areas
Definitions of terms used in Domestic Abuse and related areas
Abuse: to insult, hurt, injure, rape, and/or molest another person. Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to: physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, spiritual abuse, and/or verbal abuse.
Abuser: a person who uses abusive tactics and behaviors to exert power and control over another person with whom the abuser is in an intimate, dating, or family relationship.
Batterer: a person who uses coercive and abusive tactics and behaviors to establish and maintain power and control over another person with whom the batterer is in an intimate, dating or family relationship. Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to: physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, spiritual abuse, and/or verbal abuse.
Civil Protection Order (CPO): a court order that usually requires a respondent to stay away from and have no contact with the petitioner and directs the respondent not to commit any criminal offense against the petitioner. The order can also specify terms of custody, require the respondent to vacate the household, and/or order the respondent to relinquish firearms or other property. CPOs are in effect for a period of one year and can be extended or modified by a judge. For more information please see the brochure “How Do I Get a Protection Order in the District of Columbia?”
Coercion: when one person forces or attempts to force another to think or act in a different way. Examples include, but are not limited to: threatening to report the victim to Child and Family Services or police, forcing a victim to drop charges against the batterer, and/or forcing a victim to participate in or commit illegal activities.
Domestic Violence: a pattern of coercive behaviors, used by a batterer to gain or maintain power and control over another person with whom the batterer is in an intimate, dating or family relationship. These behaviors may include, but are not limited to: physical and sexual abuse, direct or implied threats, emotional and psychological abuse, intimidation, verbal abuse, isolation, stalking, financial control, spiritual abuse, threatened or actual use of weapons, destruction of property and/or harm to the victim’s family, pets or others.
Domestic Violence Service Provider: a non-profit organization that provides support, counseling, and assistance to victims of domestic violence.
Economic/Financial Abuse: when a batterer uses finances to establish and maintain power and control over a victim. Examples include, but are not limited to: controlling a partner’s finances, taking the victim’s money without permission, giving the victim an allowance, prohibiting/limiting a victim’s access to bank accounts or credit cards, denying the victim the right to work, and/or sabotaging a victim’s credit.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse: when a batterer uses emotions, self-esteem, and/or a person’s mental state to establish and maintain power and control over a victim. Examples include, but are not limited to: putting the victim down or making the victim feel bad about her/himself, calling the victim names, playing mind games, making the victim think s/he is crazy, making the victim feel guilty, and/or humiliating the victim.
Isolation: when one person uses friends, family, and social networks to establish and maintain power and control over a victim. Examples include, but are not limited to: controlling where a victim goes, who s/he talks to, what s/he wears, and/or who s/he sees, limiting involvement in places of worship, PTA, and other social networks.
Perpetrator: a person carrying out domestic violence behaviors; see also “abuser” and “batterer”.
Physical Abuse: when a batterer uses her/his body or other objects to cause harm or injury to establish and maintain power and control over a victim. Examples include, but are not limited to: hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, scratching, slapping, strangling, beating, using a weapon against another person, punching, throwing, burning, poisoning, stabbing, and shooting.
Protection Order: the general term for an order issued by the Court mandating a batterer to not contact, harass, or come within a certain distance of the petitioner and/or other persons named in the order.
Safe Housing: emergency, transitional or permanent shelter/housing that is confidentially located.
Sexual Abuse: when a batterer uses sexual acts to establish and maintain power and control over a victim without her/his consent. Examples include but are not limited to making the victim do sexual things against her/his will, sexual assault, treating the victim like a sex object, forcing sex after violence, and/or forcing the victim to watch pornography.
Sexual Assault: any unwanted sexual activity forced on one person by another.
Spiritual/Religious Abuse: when a batterer uses spirituality or religion to establish and maintain power and control over a victim. Examples include, but are not limited to: controlling the partner’s ability to practice her/his own religion or attend services, forcing the partner to convert or practice another religion against her/his will and/or using the spiritual or religious environment, leader and/or congregation to influence a victim’s behavior. Stalking: when one person pursues, follows, or harasses another person against her/his wishes. Examples include, but are not limited to: repeated, unwanted phone calls, following a victim, sending unwanted gifts, destroying or vandalizing a victim’s property, repeated threats, and/or tracking a victim’s online activity.
Survivor: a person who was or is being abused or harmed by another person.
Threats: an expression that demonstrates the intention of one person to inflict pain or injury on another person. Examples include, but are not limited to: verbal threats such as threats to leave, harm, or commit suicide, or physical threats, such as a raised hand, fist, or gesture.
Transitional Housing: shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children that typically lasts up to two years, between receiving emergency services and finding permanent housing.
Trauma: experiencing an event that causes injury or stress to a person’s physical or psychological well-being.
Verbal Abuse: when a batterer uses words to establish and maintain power and control over a victim. Examples include, but are not limited to: the use of language to manipulate, control, ridicule, insult, humiliate, belittle, vilify, and/or show disrespect and disdain to another.
Vicarious Trauma: the impact of exposure to extreme events experienced by another person resulting in the listener feeling overwhelmed by the trauma or triggering the listener’s own past trauma(s).
Victim: a person who is abused, harmed or killed by another person. See also: Survivor.
For a complete list see: DC Coalition against Domestic violence
What is Domestic Abuse?
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse, also called domestic violence (DV) is one or more of these behaviors by one intimate partner towards another: threats, intimidation, emotional abuse, physical assault, and sexual assault. It is a pattern of coercive control and exercise of power. People often think of domestic violence as physical abuse. But that’s only part of the picture. Many victims are never physically or sexually assaulted but are controlled and emotionally terrorized by their partners’ use of non-physical tactics.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In New York State alone, the DV hotlines receive over 19,000 calls a day. DV is a culturally learned and socially tolerated public health problem which is like the proverbial elephant in the room which we don’t feel free to discuss.
Myths and Realities
Myths and Realities
DV is a private matter between the partners.
No. Domestic abuse is a crime, according to the Violence Against Women Act 1994/96 which offers equal coverage to women and men. Left unchecked, it creates chronic stress in all the family members including the children and adversely affects their mental and physical health.
Only women are victims of DV
False. DV is the number one predictor of child abuse. Also, one in four men are abused by their partners but most don’t reveal it. Everyone in the abuser’s household, not only the victim, would be walking on egg shells, apprehensive of being abused any moment on flimsy grounds. In extreme cases, the abusers killed the entire family and then killed themselves.
DV happens only once or twice in a relationship.
False. It happens repeatedly. Abusers usually escalate violent behaviors in frequency and severity.
The abusers can’t control their anger.
False. Angry abusers stop the violence when they hear a knock on the door and exercise restraint until there are no witnesses. They don’t abuse their coworkers or people at the stores. They behave well outside and strive to maintain a positive public image.
DV is caused by alcohol or drugs.
False. Most men who abuse their partners don’t drink or abuse drugs. Alcohol and drugs don’t cause abusive behavior but they reduce the inhibition of the abuser which may increase the severity of abuse.
DV happens to those with lower income/education.
False. The DV Hotlines receive calls, chats, and texts from people of every socioeconomic class and religion, including the wealthy and highly educated.
If the abuser shows remorse and promises to behave, the abuse will stop.
False. Remorse and begging for forgiveness are ploys to temporarily pacify and perpetuate the control over the victim. The abuse mostly gets worse.
Boys who witness DV will grow up to be abusers.
Only one in three boys who witness abuse become adult abusers. The majority of abused children raise their own children without violence.
The victim can just leave.
Abused women are in the greatest danger of severe or lethal attacks when attempting to leave or after leaving. They might have no safe place to go, can’t support themselves and their children, feel humiliated about the abuse, and fear that their friends, family, and community will blame them for emotional or religious reasons. A survivor believes the partner’s promises to change and hopes for an abuse-free life. Safely ending a violent relationship requires a well thought-out plan and preparation. The DV agencies offer help in this regard.
Exhaustive list of myths and realities
Click the above link
Click the above link
Click the above link
Tips for an Informed Conversation about Domestic Abuse
Tips for an Informed Conversation about Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse, also called Domestic Violence (DV), can be in one or more of these forms - emotional, verbal, financial, sexual and technology-based.
1. Never blame the victim: We tend to blame the victim by asking, “What did she/he do, to be treated that way?” We don’t ask this question to other victims. Instead, we need to ask: “Why does he/she choose to abuse?”. Let the victim know that the abuse is not their fault and they deserve safety and respect.
2. Trust the victim’s perspective: Often, abusers deny their partners, the right to make their own choices. Taking a victim-centered approach by prioritizing their needs and wants, empowers them. Ask the victims what they need to feel safe and offer the desired support.
3. Let your family and friends know that DV is not a “private family matter.”: DV is a crime under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994/96 which affords equal protection to women and men. One in three women and one in four men will be a victim of severe physical violence in their lifetime. Victims of DV are of every age, economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and education. They are the family members, neighbors, coworkers, or friends of some of us.
4. Challenge the widely-held misconceptions about DV: “Why doesn’t the victim just leave?”, “only physical violence is DV” and “it’s a private, family matter”. We need to be aware of multiple hurdles to leaving, for example - the safety of children & pets, financial security, and reaction from the family and community.
5. Hold the offenders accountable: If it is safe to do so, impose social consequences on the abusers, like telling them they’re not welcome for the family dinner or to hang out; until their abusive behavior stops. Stop condoning their abusive behavior by saying that “boys will be boys” or “that person would never abuse.” Family, friends, and community members telling the offenders that their behavior is abusive, is a powerful deterrent against DV.
6. Counter the stereotypes: We need to counter inequalities and rigid gender roles like sexism and racism and educate the youth to reject these ‘-isms’.
7. Be aware that abuse is rooted in power and control: Strategically isolating the victims from family and friends is a common tactic of the abuser, to gain power and control. Abusers may trap their partners by withholding, lying about, or hiding financial assets which are forms of financial abuse.
8. We can prevent Domestic Abuse with education and action: These are some of the ways: start an informed conversation about DV with your loved ones, support the local DV agencies by donating your time and money, and give wide publicity to the 24/7 DV Hotlines, to make them as well-known as ‘911’. These agencies provide confidential and comprehensive services to the victims: empathy, guidance, counseling, and legal and safe shelter support for the entire family.
More from The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)- the leading voice for survivors of domestic violence and their allies.
Red Flags of Abusive Behavior of a Male or Female Partner
Red Flags of Abusive Behavior of a Male or Female Partner
A potential abuser may seem like a dream partner at the beginning of the relationship. Red flags like the following may show up after commitment - living together - marriage - pregnancy - childbirth or after many years. Many abusers occasionally shower love and affection to mask their abuse and keep the victim captive. The abuser may progress from verbal, emotional, and controlling to physical abuse. The earlier the victim disengages from the abuser the lesser will be the damage to self and children’s mental and physical health.
Embarrassing you or putting you down.
Controlling who you see, where you go, or what you do.
Discouraging you from being in contact with your friends or family.
Taking your money or valuables and refusing to give you
money.
Saying you are a bad parent, threatening to harm or take away your children.
Preventing you from working or attending school.
Acting like abuse is not happening or blaming you for it.
Creating fear in you by looking at you or acting in scary ways.
Damaging your property, threatening to hurt or kill your pets.
Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
Intimidating you with guns, knives, or in any other way.
Blocking your way, shoving, slapping, choking, or hitting you.
Shoving, slapping, choking or hitting.
Threatening to hurt or kill you.
Threatening to commit suicide for not honoring partner’s
wishes or orders.
Pressuring you to have sex when you don’t want.
The male partner prevents a female partner from using birth
control or pressuring to become pregnant when she isn’t
ready.
Denying abuse or blaming you for it.
Exhaustive information on Red flags from a variety of resources
How to Prevent ‘Domestic Abuse’
How to Prevent ‘Domestic Abuse’
Domestic abuse is also called Domestic violence (DV). It is a crime under the Violence Against Women 1994/96 which affords equal protection to women and men. DV can be emotional, financial, verbal, psychological, physical, sexual, and technology-facilitated abuse. It affects millions of individuals across the United States regardless of age, gender, economic status, religion, and education. We can prevent DV by spreading awareness, challenging the myths, and confronting the abusers.
Individual Level
Never blame the victim: Empower the victims by believing their experiences. They very rarely tell lies. We tend to ask “What did the victim do to deserve the abuse?”. Instead, we need to ask: “Why does the abuser choose to abuse?”.
Trust the victim's perspective: Listen to and believe the victim to empower them to make their own decisions. Tell the victim that the abuse is not their fault and they deserve safety and respect. Ask them what they need to be safe.
Take a clear stand that domestic abuse is not a private matter”: One in three women and one in four men will be a victim of severe physical violence at some point in their lifetime. Each day, an average of three women die at the hands of someone who claims to love them. Every abused person is someone’s sibling, parent, friend, or co-worker.
Tell the victim about the DV Hotlines: Equinox 518.432.7865; Unity House 518. 272.2370; YWCA NENY 518.374.3386; Wellspring 518.584.8188 and the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233. If the victim is in immediate danger, call 911. Support your community by volunteering or donating to the DV agencies.
Confront the offenders: If it is safe, tell them that their abusive behavior is unacceptable. Impose social consequences like not welcoming for family dinner or to hang out, until they stop their abusive behavior. Study ‘bystander intervention training’ on YouTube and put it into practice.
Educate the children and youth about healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships. It is some of today’s children who will become tomorrow’s abusers and victims. Discuss DV at the family table and encourage everyone to respectfully speak up without fear when something doesn’t feel right. Set a healthy example by not using coercive measures to control your children’s behavior under any circumstance. Be respectful to everyone, irrespective of their age and sex. Losing your ‘cool ‘, is a big “No,’. If parents have difficulty managing their emotions, they need to seek help.
Community Level
Challenge the widely-held myths about DV at every opportunity: That ‘DV means physical violence’, it’s a “private family matter’, ‘the victim is weak’ and the victims can “just leave”. In reality, the woman is at the greatest risk of being hurt or even killed when trying to leave or after leaving. She has to carefully plan her escape, to protect herself, her children, and pets and ensure financial security.
Challenge the myth that the abusers 'Lose control': Not true. They don’t “lose control” at work, with friends and other family members! Abuse is a conscious choice rooted in power and control over the partner. Challenge the inequalities and ‘isms’ like sexism, racism, classism, and patriarchy on which DV thrives.
Give sustained publicity to the DV Hotlines through all the media until they are as well-known as ‘911’:
Search online for “Domestic Violence agencies near me” under quotes for their contact information and make this information widely available at libraries, waiting rooms, restrooms etc.
Bystander intervention
Watch Youtube videos and online articles about “bystander intervention techniques” and apply these techniques to stop abuse if it happens in our presence.
Organize DV awareness campaign every October: DV agencies can provide publicity posters, brochures and speakers.
More from
CDC (US Government Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
Bystander interventions to discourage abusive behavior
Bystander interventions to discourage abusive behavior
We as bystanders, rarely intervene because we have not been taught how to do it and lack social support. These suggestions will help you intervene safely. Choose the options you feel comfortable with, adapt them to each situation, and keep practicing. After some trials, you will be pleased with the results.
Refocus the conversation: If you feel uncomfortable speaking directly to the offender because he is your boss or someone who has authority over you, totally ignore the offensive comment and divert the attention by asking the offender for something like the time, menu, or directions; make a joke, change the topic or intentionally spill your drink. For example: You’re with friends and one of them says disparagingly that a common acquaintance broke up with her abusive boyfriend. You may say, “Whoa, that takes guts,” or, “She must be really brave.”
Engage others: The goal is to promote a new positive perspective for all the bystanders. For example: You’re having dinner with friends. When a woman at a nearby table goes to the restroom, one of your friends makes a crude remark about her body. You may say “Have you noticed that we sometimes talk about women disrespectfully? I wonder why this happens?”
Confront directly: If you are comfortable, you confront the offender on the spot or wait for a private moment to do so. if you don’t want to do it individually, ask a friend to join you. Use “I” statements that are direct but not combative: (a) Describe the abusive behavior like a TV reporter, just what you saw or heard (b) Say, “I think that’s not a fair way to look at women” or, “I think that’s blaming the victim,” (c) Make it personal, by saying “I hope no one ever speaks that way to you”. For example: When an attractive woman walks by, one of your friends makes a crass comment about her body. If you are comfortable directly confronting, say something like: “This may surprise you, but the comment you made on that woman seemed degrading to me and I felt uncomfortable. I doubt that’s how you really think about women.” Or say it when you get a private moment with him. If you prefer, say it in the presence of a friend.
Discuss media reports on domestic abuse with our friends and family, to bring awareness and eliminate the stigma around it.
More from
Nomore.org Real life bystander scenarios bystander guide to parties
preventconnect.org Funded by CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and RALIANCE. Bystander Intervention
health.ny.org A Sexual Violence Bystander Intervention Toolkit - PDF 36 page
Helplines 24/7 (Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Crisis for Food, Health, Housing, Human trafficking, Employment and Transportation, Human trafficking, Sexual assault, Suicide prevention, Crime victim services, Mistreatment of older adults)
Helplines 24/7 (Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Crisis for Food, Health, Housing, Human trafficking, Employment and Transportation, Human trafficking, Sexual assault, Suicide prevention, Crime victim services, Mistreatment of older adults)
These established helpline numbers are worth keeping on hand. If you like to learn about these problems, click on the links to the respective websites.
Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Problem gambling; -
1-877-846-7369 , Text 467369
Abuse by Intimate Partners: Ridiculing, Humiliating, Putting down, Isolating, Manipulating, Ordering, Intimidating, Threatening, Beating, Sexual coercion or Controlling money.
Call the HOTLINES
Love is Respect Website with a 24/7 Hotline to help young people with dating, personal safety, and helping others in need,
Click on the above link to visit the home page showing three options -
CALL: 1.866.331.9474 CHAT (Link)
Text: 'LOVEIS' to 22522
Child Abuse: NYS Child Protective Services Contact page 1-800-342-3720
What is considered child abuse? Intentional mistreatment or neglect of a child (under 18) by a parent, caregiver, clergy, coach, or teacher that threatens to harm, or harmed. This can be Emotional - name calling, shaming, rejection, withholding love; Physical - hitting, kicking, shaking, burning; Sexual; Neglect – not providing adequate food, clothing, education, and medical care.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 800-4-A-Child (800-422-4453) Contact page to Chat, Call, Text
The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University – Key Concepts A resource on the science of early child development.
Crisis Text line: For Anxiety, Depression, Eating disorders, Gun Violence, Self-Harm, and Suicide
Text 'HOME' to 741741 Contact page for Text, Chat and WhtsApp
Crisis for Food, Health, Housing, Human trafficking, Employment, and Transportation:
Helpful information offered by United Way
Call 211, 888-366-3211 or 518-694-8900
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI): If you are a victim of nonconsensual pornography (NCP), sextortion, deep fakes, or other form of image-based sexual abuse, please visit the CCRI Safety Center for a thorough and detailed step-by-step guide.
Disaster Distress Helpline: SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Contact page 800-985-5900
Human Trafficking (Modern-day Slavery):
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-7888 or Text 233733,
Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual
Violence Center 518- 447-7716
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435)
National Elder Fraud Hotline 833-372-8311
National Helpline for Men who were sexually abused or assaulted Support group chat
National Parent Helpline (Limited hours)
Mon-Fri 1 pm to 10 pm EST.
Other times, leave a message.1-855-427-2736
National Runaway Safe line Call, Chat, Text, Email, Forum
Sexual Assault: - Rape, Abuse & Incest
National Network 1-800-656-4673, -
Albany County Sexual Assault Hotline
518-447-7716
Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call '988' or 1-800-273-8255
or Chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat
Crime Victim Services and Referral Information (Contact numbers and websites) - 3 pages
Understanding and preventing mistreatment of older adults - Brochure
Helpline published in the Advertiser 1/27/22
More information on DV (Resources for victims of violence in NYS, Basic, Dating, Bystander intervention, Prevention, Community focused, Divorce, Major organizations, Statistics, International)
More information on DV (Resources for victims of violence in NYS, Basic, Dating, Bystander intervention, Prevention, Community focused, Divorce, Major organizations, Statistics, International)
Resources for victims of violence (NYS) - Domestic violence/ Rape crisis, Law enforcement/public safety, Hospitals/ERs, Legal resources, Office for New Americans (Immigrants integration and education)
Search database for resources close to you by zip code
Basic
Order of protection (also called 'Restraining order')
Information for those seeking an order of protection NYS
Address Confidentiality Program
Financial Assistance - Victim Services Compensation, Public Benefits Assistance, Financial Management Resources
NYS Office of Victim Services. - Search by keyword or browse alphabetically Office of Victi
Commonly used terms in Domestic Violence cases PDF 7p
Thehotline.org US National Hotline Website with a large
number of resources - Designed for ADULTS
loveisrespect.org - US National Hotline Website with a
large number of resources - Designed for YOUTH
See also Downloadable PDF documents below.
Dating
Dating basics PDF 1 page
Start the conversation - A guide for adults to talk to the young people in their lives about Relationships PDF 34 Pages
Bystander Intervention
You can take Action against Domestic Violence University of Utah Police Department PDF 8 pages
Prevention
Help stop violence before it starts CDC
Community focused
Divorce
What You Need to Know About Divorce The Legal Aid Society
Major Organizations
US Domestic Violence Organizations
US National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
US National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
VetoViolence Exhaustive website by CDC
Break the cycle - For Young People 12 to 24
Inspires and supports young people 12 - 24 to build healthy relationships and create a culture without abuse. No Hotline.
A rich resource for many aspects of DV. Click the above link to access the CHAT Link.
Statistics
Domestic violence victim data 2020 - Police reports County-wise National Statistics on Domestic Violence
New York State Statistics on Domestic Violence
Get the facts Futures without violence
International Trustworthy gender-based violence helplines and NGOs for almost every country in the world
Downloadable PDF documents
Downloadable PDF documents
"Respectful Relationships" - A letter- size color poster with this title in big font, good for indoor bulletin boards. It lists the names and contact numbers of the Domestic Violence Agencies in the four counties of Rensselaer, Albany, Schenectady, and Saratoga and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. It has a QR code which when clicked with a smartphone app will pop up this webpage having key educational material. Copies of this poster can be pinned to all public bulletin boards like Stuarts stores, town halls, libraries, community centers, and restrooms to help victims know about this 'culturally learned and socially condoned public health problem'. Inexplicably, even children in KG are made aware of the emergency number '911' but hardly any adult knows that these federally funded agencies exist and that they can help victims of DV 24/7 with free counseling, legal help and if needed, a secret shelter for the entire family for a limited time. This is simply because these names and numbers are not publicized! These agencies have better rapport with the county's police department to get a better response from them.
Relationships can be Healthy, Unhealthy or Abusive: Tri-fold brochure with these contents: Identifying different relationships, FAQ, 24/7 hotline numbers, to help victims identify abusive behaviors, answer common questions, and call or text the Hotlines anytime in privacy. Copies of this comprehensive brochure can be displayed in places like - Stewarts stores, town halls, libraries, community centers, and restrooms. So far about 1000 copies have been distributed.
Domestic Abuse 101 Tri-fold brochure with comprehensive information about DV: Myths, Red flags, Prevention, Bystander Intervention, and Hotline contact details. Copies can be displayed in public places, doctors' offices, healthcare facilities, town halls, libraries, etc. So far about 1000 copies have been distributed.
Helping to end Domestic Violence - National Resource Center on DV.
'Through their eyes - Domestic violence and its impact on children - Booklet with drawings by the affected children - 38 pages.
How does Domestic Violence affect children - Pictorial Booklet - The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTDN) - 20p PDF
Domestic violence - Finding safety and support - NYS Office for Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) Small size booklet 88 pages
Dating violence - Tri-fold brochure
Couplets -Discussion guide For young people - 41 pages
Helplines (For multiple problems - Domestic abuse, Problem gambling, Suicide prevention, Child abuse, addictions, Rape-Abuse-Incest, Human trafficking, Information about help for food, shelter, etc.) 1 page
The impact of DV on health 1 page
DV update for Clinicians - PowerPoint thumbnails 8 pages
A community fights back to end DV in Santa Clara County - 9 pages
How can we prevent DV before it starts - CDC 2 pages
Click to visit this page.
DV articles and ads published in local magazines
DV articles and ads published in local magazines
It is interesting to know that a local healthcare practitioner who was in an unhappy relationship saw one of the following articles, realized that what she was experiencing was abuse, and contacted the DV agency of her county.
8 Tips for an informed conversation about DV
- Advertiser 3-10-22
What is DV and what can we do about it? - Advertiser 12-23-21
DV Hotlines Ad in the Advertiser - Advertiser 10-14-21
Multiple Helplines from Alcoholism to Suicide prevention - Advertiser 1-27-22
Related pages
Google Sites
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