How To Stay Safe In A Domestic Violence Situation With An Infant

Posted on: 13 February 2015

Standing face to face with someone who is attacking you verbally and physically can be life altering. When you have to worry about someone in addition to yourself such as an infant or small child, your worries and concerns double. If you've been suffering at the hands of an abuser, and the abuser is your husband, you need to get away safely and protect yourself and your baby from harm now and in the future. Here are some steps to take in order to stay safe and move forward with your life.

Removing Yourself From The Situation

If you feel like your life is being threatened, the first thing you need to do is protect yourself and your infant child. Removing yourself from the marital home can be very challenging and dangerous, especially if your husband is preventing you both from leaving. Coming up with a safety plan ahead of time is the best way to stay levelheaded when a violent situation spirals out of control. Keep these things in mind:

  • Have an extra bag hidden away and fully packed with your baby's necessities so you can easily grab it on the go
  • Inside a bag or purse, have an extra set of car keys, disposable cell phone and emergency contact numbers readily available
  • Try to leave when the abuse has calmed down or your husband has left the home
  • Have a quick escape plan in place such as leaving out a window or backdoor
  • Inform a neighbor or close friend that you may come to them unannounced in an emergency situation
  • When a fight escalates, try to stay out of the kitchen or other areas where items could be used as a weapon against you

If you're in the thick of a violent situation or you are being threatened, call 911 or leave immediately with your child.

Seeking Legal Advice

Once you and your baby are safe, it's important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. A qualified  attorney specializing in domestic violence will be able to help you and give you legal advice regarding your situation. Part of this may include legal action with criminal charges brought against your spouse, In addition to filing a petition for divorce, another priority will be getting full legal custody of your infant. For more information, visit http://www.jdlarsonlaw.com or a similar website.

Getting Professional Care

Domestic violence affects several aspects of your life. You and your infant may need immediate medical care. This will determine if there are any injuries resulting from the incident. Counseling should also be a priority. This will help you sort out the emotions you are experiencing from the traumatic event.

Rebuilding Your Life

Getting in touch with your local domestic violence shelter will help put local resources at your fingertips. There are programs that assist with legal bills, counseling services and temporary housing and transportation.

Don't become a statistic and lose your life at the hands of your abusive spouse. Reach out for help through a friend, attorney or counselor. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline today for immediate assistance at 1-800-799-7233. 

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