Domestic Violence can destroy any personal relationship and should never be tolerated. The only way to permanently solve domestic violence is to raise your voice and take a firm stand against those perpetrating it.
Crucial Social Problem
The US government and non-government agencies recognize domestic violence as a crucial social problem. As a result, the US Congress has passed various Violence Against Women Acts to try to control it.
This article discusses measures to solve domestic violence like joining or consulting domestic violence support groups and how the national domestic violence hotline is making a huge difference.
1. Call 9-1-1
First things first, call 9-1-1 and get medical attention.
9-1-1 is an emergency telephone number intended for use in emergency circumstances only. Using it for any other purpose (such as false or prank calls) is a crime in certain jurisdictions.
Furthermore, in the majority of locations in the United States and Canada, dialing 9-1-1 from any telephone handset connects the caller to an emergency dispatch office.
In 96% of cases in the US, a 9-1-1 call maps the caller’s number with a physical address.
2. Report the incident to your local police
Statistics show that a huge number of domestic violence incidents went unreported because the victims were either terrified or had no details to prove that the incident took place.
To prevent, avoid and eventually solve such heinous acts, you should report every incident of domestic violence to the police.
GIVE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS TO THE POLICE:
- Date and time
- What exactly happened
- Reason for the incident
- The details related to the person carrying out domestic violence
- Any serious injuries suffered
The police may, in any case, ask you for these details and prompt for more thorough information at any time while they keep the case open. Always note down the details so that you do not skip anything important.
Also, note down the incident number or police report number for your records.
3. Join/Consult a Domestic Violence Support Group
Domestic violence support groups are making a massive difference in the lives of thousands of victims, survivors and their families who have suffered domestic violence in the past.
Highly trained consultants or advisors are available around the clock to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking required information or looking for help in tackling unhealthy aspects in their relationship. They are playing a vital role in the fight to solve domestic violence.
4. Contact The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Similarly, the National Domestic Violence Hotline allows domestic violence victims or families who are battling domestic violence to get help.
Your one phone call
Did you know that just one phone call can make a world of difference and shape a better future? Donations from different individuals and groups cover the costs of the phone call people make when seeking help.
5. Emergency Protection Order
In some states, police or magistrates can provide an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) which offers short-term protection to victims of domestic violence.
However, an EPO is generally only issued for a limited period such as three or seven days.
6. Get a Protection Order from Court
Survivors of domestic violence have civil and criminal protection or restraining order options to protect themselves from any future abuse.
These orders allow the victim to call the police if an abuser disobeys or breaks the order. The police will then arrest the abuser.
All 50 states and District of Columbia issue Protection Orders.It is important to note that different states name this protection order differently. In New York or Texas, it is called a protection order. Meanwhile, in California, the name is a restraining order.
Unlike an EPO, a Protection Order is for a longer term; typically for one to five years.
Additionally, it can also last an entire lifetime under extreme circumstances. The court will provide the victim with an option to renew the protection order if he or she still feels the abuser remains a threat.
How to solve domestic violence – in summary
Domestic violence remains prevalent in many US states, and it is time for strict action to reduce the number of cases.
First of all, we ask you to report the case to the police or seek help from the Domestic Violence Support group if you are battling or facing issues related to Domestic Violence.
Then, you can also contact an expert attorney to get further assistance.
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