ARE YOU FACING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND NEED HELP?
If you are in danger, call 911 now. If you are looking for information or a consultation, please contact The Wellspring direct at (318) 323-1505 for help.
If you are facing a domestic violence situation and need help, you have come to the right place. If you are in an abusive relationship, the Domestic Violence Program offers free confidential services for you and/or your children. These services are offered to help you have a life free from emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of forceful, controlling behavior that escalates in severity and danger over time. It can include physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial abuse.
Examples of Domestic Abuse:
-Making threats to hurt a spouse or partner, children, or other family members or pets
-Preventing a spouse or partner from getting a job or having access to money
-Controlling who a spouse or partners sees, talks to or visits
-Threatening with looks, weapons or gestures
-Making a spouse or partner feel guilty about the children or threaten to take them away
-Making a spouse or partner do sexual things against his/her will
The good news is- there’s help and hope.
Confidential, comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence and their children are available at The Wellspring. Call (318) 323-1505 anytime for information or assistance.
Here’s what you can do:
If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, ask yourself the following questions about the person you are in a relationship with:
Does he or she-
-Embarrass you with bad names or put downs?
-Not want you to talk to or spend time with your family and friends?
-Take your money?
-Make you ask for money or refuse to give it to you?
-Tell you that you are a bad parent or threaten to take your children away?
-Act extremely jealous of others?
-Lose his or her temper, strike you, break your possessions, or in other ways cause you harm?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you may need to find out more about domestic violence or talk to someone who can help. Call (318) 998-6030 or 1-888-411-1333 anytime day or night!
If you think you know someone who is experiencing domestic violence, there are 6 things you can do:
1. Call the police if you see or hear violence in progress.
2. Learn about domestic violence services in your community like those provided by the The Wellspring.
3. Give time, resources, or money. Distribute domestic violence awareness materials at your workplace, school or church. Arrange for informational and educational presentations or training for your church, civic, social and professional groups.
4. If you have a friend or co-worker who is afraid of her or her partner or who is being hurt, offer your support and refer them to The Wellspring (318) 323-1505.
5. Model a respectful attitude toward your spouse in your home, with your family and in your workplace. Avoid behaviors that demean or control others.
6. Build support among your colleagues and neighbors that abusive behavior and language will not be tolerated in your neighborhood.
To learn more about the facts of domestic violence, click here.