questions & answers

Question: I moved back to my paid off house after 2 years away from an extremely violent crack addict. He has now forced his way back into my home because he is a freeloader and wants to live withowut paying a single bill. When I tell him to leave he says FU, make me. He believes that he owns everything I have and takes my car 24/7 so I have no way out. When I attempt to do anything he destroys my things or steals them and pawns them. If I do anything at all to call for help he destroys my phone and beats me up and threatens to destroy my house. He is the biggest fake but noone believes me. HELP

Answer:

If you are a victim or believe you may be a victim of domestic violence, or if you are the person committing or believe you may commit domestic violence, there is help available. There are many ways you can help yourself and many people available to help you. Read on to learn more about the things you can do to help yourself and to find out about the people who may be able to help you.

• Call 911 • Call immediately if you believe that you are in danger of being physically hurt. Do not wait until you have been hurt.

• File an order of protection or injunction against harassment

 • To order the person who is hurting you to stay away from you and so the police can arrest that person if he or she violated the order. However, an Order of Protection is for preventing domestic violence. It is not for child custody orders or preventing access or visitation to a child unless harm may result to the child or the acts of domestic violence involved the child.

 • Leave the scene. No matter whom you are, or where you are, or what the other person is doing. Leave. Go somewhere safe and peaceful to calm down and to protect you from being a victim of domestic violence, or from committing an act of domestic violence.

 • Talk to a counselor. This person can help you with your own safety plan so you and your children feel that you can leave the person who is hurting you; or the counselor can help you if you are the person committing the domestic violence. Find out why you are hurting the other person and help you stop.

• Tell a friend about your problem to get support and help.

• Get help from the community. There are many places in the community that can help you. Please refer to our article on Domestic Violence for resources that may be able to assist you in your current situation.