Domestic Violence 101

Begin the domestic violence 101 journey with a survival guide for intimate partner violence, written by how expert press Amanda Riley and narrated by Evie Irwin.

Understand what domestic violence is and its magnitude, and learn safety planning, leaving strategies, staying safe after leaving, finding legal help and resources, and finding your voice to start over.

Define domestic violence and its four main forms—physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional—and explain how abuse manifests and affects victims. Examine the cycle of violence, victim identification, and intergenerational patterns.

Develop a home safety plan to stay safe when leaving isn’t immediate. Identify exits, dangerous rooms, and emergency numbers, and prepare an emergency bag and safe spaces.

Identify national and local resources for domestic violence, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline and safety planning, and know to call 911 in emergencies before seeking hotline assistance.

Plan your exit carefully; leaving is the most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim. Consider emotional and practical reasons victims stay, and prepare safety, resources, and an emergency bag.

Prepare to leave an abusive situation by gathering essential documents, creating a safety plan, packing an emergency bag, and seeking professional support from social workers, advocates, and counselors.

Chapter six covers legal issues and how to obtain a protection from abuse (PFA) order, including filing a petition, temporary and permanent orders, and gathering evidence.

Develop a 24-hour safety plan after leaving, outlining housing options and contacts for advocates and legal aid. Seek social services and consider relocation to secure housing.

Find your voice and speak up for yourself to reclaim self-worth after domestic violence, seek counseling, stay or leave, and build a support system to heal.