St. Mary's County

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Parents Guide

Parents Guide
The Beginning Years
Choosing Child Care
Parenting as Your Child Grows
Parenting and Your Family's Well Being
Health Care
More on Health Care
Managing Stress and Depression
Oral Health
Eating Well
Exercise and Relaxation
Transportation Safety
Family Finances
Balancing Work and Family
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
Violence and Abuse
Disasters and Emergencies
Resources in the Guide

Violence and Abuse

Violence and abuse in our homes and communities are serious problems. Abuse can be physical, when someone hurts your body. It can also be verbal or emotional—threats and cruel talk are abuse, too. No one, not even a family member, has the right to be violent or abusive. It’s against the law. Don’t keep it a secret. Talk to someone you trust and get help.
Get help, too, if you are the one who is violent or abusive. Change is possible, but you can’t do it alone. Act now, before you ruin someone else’s life and your own.

 
Violence and Abuse at Home

Violence and Abuse at Home
If you are a victim, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault. But you do need to protect yourself and your family from further harm. Try to set aside clothes and money for you and your children. You may need to leave in a hurry. To find a safe place to stay with your children and to get legal help, call Child Abuse and Family Violence or National Domestic Violence Hotline.

 
Signs of Child Abuse
Watch for these signs. They could indicate child abuse.
• Unexplained bruises or marks
• Trouble sleeping
• Unexplained pain, swelling or bleeding in the mouth or genitals
• Acting unusually frightened, sad or withdrawn
• Acting unusually violent or aggressive
• Copying adult sexual behavior
• No interest in school or other activities
 

Child Abuse
Most child abuse is done by
family members. If you suspect abuse, get help right away. Teach children to tell you if something bad happens to them. Take it
seriously and report it. Call Child Abuse Hotline or Child Abuse and Family Violence. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

If You Get Abusive
Violence is never okay. But there are reasons
why people get violent—social problems like unemployment and racism, and personal problems like drug abuse or growing up in an abusive home. Support groups or counseling can help. Call National Domestic Violence Hotline.

 
Things You Can Do
Where to Find Help
Learn More
Warning Signs of Domestic Violence
 

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

Watch out if someone close to you:
• Is very jealous
• Expects you to be perfect
• Cuts you off from family and friends
• Blames others for problems
• Is cruel to children or animals
• Breaks or hits things
• Uses physical force in sex
• Disrespects you
• Has sudden mood changes
• Abuses alcohol or drugs
• Was an abused or neglected child preschool, call Child Care Connection.

If you checked three Yes answers, someone you love may be abusive and in need of help. Call National Domestic Violence Hotline.

 

 
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