When you first hear the words associated with the acronym SAFCAB, some people laugh. It is funny. That was part of it's initial creation and appeal, BUT... This is a very serious matter and we take it VERY seriously. First we want to add a little disclaimer that we are not Psychiatrists, Therapists, Psychologists, Safety Officers (Police), we're not even (YET) trained in working on a domestic violence hotline. But we do believe in this cause! Through what seems to be a very simply process, many of our members and the creators of SAFCAB have helped many other people with their situations and helped them stay strong and stay away from those people that are so detrimental to their well-being.
Because we do take this so seriouslly, we do want to make sure you have as many resources as possible to get you the help you need. We believe in the SAFCAB process, having at least 2 friends that you can call 24/7 to give you the support you need to help you escape or stay out of that bad relationship. However, if you ever feel threatened in any way, we urge you to ALWAYS CALL 911!!! It is better to call 911 and make sure you live to see another day, than to not call because you're just not sure what to do or because you're too proud or embarressed.
When you think of domestic violence or any violence in a relationship, you think of a woman being abused by a man. But unfortunately, abuse rears its ugly head in many forms. Men are actually physically, mentally and emotionally abused by women also. A co-worker stalks another co-worker. Grandparents are subject to abuse by a grandchild, adult or child. We've all heard way too much about children that are abused. Abuse is not always hitting someone. It can be verbal/mental abuse, yelling at someone and putting them down on a regular basis. Let's not forget cyberstalking, which is very widespread with today's younger population over the internet. There are so many forms of abuse and none of it should be tolerated. You do not have to be treated badly by anyone at any time. You should never feel threatened by or afraid of someone because of what they do or say to you.
We want you to have every resource available to you, so this page will constantly be evolving. We will continually be adding links to pages that give you helpful information regardless of your situation or your location. Please take care of you and again, if you don't take advantage of any other things here, if you feel you are in any danger, please, always call 911. The police are there to help you and can help you escape before it is too late!
There is a NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
TTY: 1-800-787-3224
Enough NC - this website has a unique feature...if you're looking at the website for help and need to leave the page quickly so that you won't be seen, you can press the ESC (Escape) key on the keyboard and it will reset that page to help keep you safe!!!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is October
National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women
For more information on domestic violence against men, read this article:
To learn more about how you can help people that are victims of domestic violence:
From the article referenced above on domestic violence against men, there is some VERY helpful general information that is good for ANYONE in a dangerous situation. Here is part of that article:
"Create a safety plan
Leaving an abuser can be dangerous. Consider taking these precautions:
■Call a domestic violence hotline for advice. Make the call at a safe time — when the abuser isn't around — or from a friend's house or other safe location.
■Pack an emergency bag that includes items you'll need when you leave, such as extra clothes and keys. Leave the bag in a safe place. Keep important personal papers, money and prescription medications handy so that you can take them with you on short notice.
■Know exactly where you'll go and how you'll get there, even if you have to leave in the middle of the night.
Protect your communication
An abuser may use technology to monitor your telephone and Internet communication and to track your physical location. To maintain your privacy and safety:
■Use cordless phones and cell phones cautiously. Your abuser may intercept calls and listen to your conversations. He or she may check your cell phone to see who has called or texted you. Your abuser also may check billing records to see your complete call history.
■Use your home computer cautiously. Your abuser may use spyware to monitor your e-mails and the Web sites you visit. Consider using a computer at work, at the library or at a friend's house to seek help.
■Frequently change your e-mail password. Choose a password that would be impossible for your abuser to guess.
■Clear your viewing history. Follow your browser's instructions to clear any record of Web sites or graphics you've viewed.
Where to seek help
In an emergency, call 911, your local emergency number or your local law enforcement agency. The following resources also can help:
■Someone you trust. Turn to a friend, relative, neighbor, co-worker or religious or spiritual advisor for support.
■National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE or 800-799-7233. The hotline provides crisis intervention and referrals to resources.
■Your health care provider. Doctors and nurses will treat injuries and may refer you to other local resources.
■A counseling or mental health center. Counseling and support groups for people in abusive relationships are available in most communities. Be wary of advice to seek couples or marriage counseling. If violence has escalated to the point that you're afraid, counseling may not be a good option.
■A local court. Your district court can help you obtain a restraining order that legally mandates the abuser to stay away from you or face arrest. Local advocates may be available to help guide you through the process. "
As you research help for any domestic violence situation, always clear the history on your computer so your abuser won't be able to see what you've been doing. That could set them off and we don't want that to happen!!
Remember SAFCAB 4EVER!!!
