What to do if you are in an abusive relationship
Take the abuse seriously, and trust your feelings. It is not your fault if you are being abused. See your partner’s behavior for what it is. If you have been physically assaulted, threatened, stalked or subjected to emotional abuse, you have experienced relationship violence.
Charee Woodard, former Vice President of RASA, talks about Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
Reach out for Support.
If you feel threatened by an intimate partner, you can obtain a restraining order. The Intervention and Prevention Services advocate can provide you with information about this process. Contact the Violence Intervention and Prevention Services advocate by emailing sapoole@olemiss.edu or calling 662-915-1059
Plan for your safety.
Your personal safety is extremely important. Staff from the Domestic Violence Project Inc., Family Crisis Services, and Advocates with the Violence Intervention and Prevention Services area can assist you in planning for your safety whether or not you are ready to leave your relationship.
The nearest domestic violence shelter, S.A.F.E., is in Tupelo; to contact S.A.F.E., call the crisis line at 1-800-527-7233 or visit safeshelter.net.
Seek medical attention.
Many times you may be injured without realizing it. Go to the Student Health Center or your private physician and tell the doctor exactly what happened. Your doctor can check to make sure you do not have internal injuries as a result of the violence. If you have been sexually assaulted and it is within 96 hours of the incident, go to a local emergency room for the most appropriate care.
See a counselor or go to a support group.
You are not alone. Talking with a counselor and/or others who have had similar experiences can help you seek understanding during this confusing and difficult time.
Call the Counseling Center for confidential individual and/or group counseling at 662-915-3784, or call the Violence Prevention Office at 662-915-1059.
Talk to a supportive friend.
Talk to someone you trust. Many times it is easier to understand and work through your feelings when you are able to talk about them.
Do things for yourself that make you feel stronger.
You do not deserve to be abused. It takes tremendous strength and courage to leave a violent relationship. Know that although you are going through a difficult process now, you have the power to change your situation.