Whether you have been a victim of domestic violence or you know someone who has, there are resources available to help you deal with this type of crime. Some of these resources include a Survivor Project, an Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence and a Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project. You can also find a therapist or advocate, and legal assistance.
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviors, which can include physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It also includes financial abuse, when a partner takes earnings and refuses to provide access to bank accounts.
Leaving an abusive relationship can be a frightening experience. However, there are resources available to help you find your way. These include counseling, legal assistance and support groups. A good domestic violence attorney serving San Diego can help you.
One of the most effective tools for ending domestic violence is the filing of an order of protection. An order of protection can force an abuser to stay away from you and your children.
A psychological services locator is a helpful tool for finding a therapist in your area. The American Psychological Association (APA) has its own version. You can find a list of APA accredited therapists by clicking here.
Another option is the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. This site is operated by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) and offers an extensive list of professionals. You can search for therapists specializing in Prolonged Exposure or Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD.
The APA’s Psychologist Locator also comes in handy, as does the ISTSS Clinician Directory. You can browse by state to find a local therapist.
Domestic violence advocates provide support and resources to victims of intimate partner violence. These individuals provide emotional and psychological support, and offer safety planning, as well as medical care. The services and programs provided by these advocates are free.
Advocacy programs can help survivors navigate through the civil legal process. They can assist with gathering legal documentation, identifying resources, and following up with other agencies. They can also help survivors seek compensation.
A victim advocate is an independent, neutral individual who works with a victim. Advocates collaborate with judicial systems and law enforcement, and are trained to identify resources, assist with applications, and accompany a victim to court dates. They work with advocates in the community to promote public awareness of domestic violence and its effects on the victim and the broader community.
The Survivor Project is a nonprofit organization that serves victims of domestic violence. Their services include legal advocacy, cultural competency training, and emergency response. They also address the needs of transgender and intersex survivors of domestic abuse.
The Intimate Partner Violence Reform Leadership Team is a group of service providers and professionals that are committed to improving the system for intimate partner violence victims. The team is primarily made up of attorneys, police officials, and other professionals. They will meet quarterly starting in mid-October to examine and improve the complex system for victims of domestic violence.
The Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence (API-DVO) is a clearinghouse of services for survivors of domestic violence. It is located in Washington DC, but provides services to victims in Maryland and Virginia. The organization is led by survivors.
The API-DVO is part of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), which works to improve the health of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and to create and support community-based programs in the U.S. and internationally. The Institute focuses on advocacy, policy, research, training, technical assistance, and networking within API communities.
The Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project (GMDVP) is a grassroots nonprofit organization that provides free or low-cost services to victims of domestic violence. The GMDVP offers a variety of programs and resources, including a 24-hour hotline, a legal advocacy program, emotional support and support groups, and more. The network also operates a shelter for battered and at-risk men, women, and teens. The organization is a valuable resource for the Massachusetts LGBT community.
The GMDVP is just one of many organizations that serve the needs of victims of domestic violence. The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NHRCDV) works to improve the quality of health care in the LGBT community by assisting providers and developing and distributing educational materials. The NHRCDV also provides training to health care providers and develops model protocols to improve health care delivery.
In the fight against domestic violence, faith plays a critical role. It provides support to victims and helps create a culture of understanding among survivors. However, religion can be a roadblock to help-seeking, and some faith communities do not respond well to disclosure of abuse.
FaithTrust Institute is a multifaith organization that works to end sexual and domestic violence. It offers training and educational materials for clergy and communities, as well as a consultation service.
In addition, it links to the Futures Without Violence website, a national resource that provides news and education about domestic violence. It also offers a number of special projects that focus on clergy ethics and child abuse.