Hope For Healing.Org

Getting Help With Internet Access Only

More and more we have people reporting their only avenue to getting help from an abuser is through the internet.  Remember: the most dangerous time for a survivor is after you leave an abuser. Be cautious in all your affairs. After you view the resources you need, be sure to follow the directions on clearing your history and browser cache found here: http://www.hopeforhealing.org/clear

1. Safety Plan

This site http://www.statesattorney.org/victim/domviol.htm contains great information on a safety plan.

To return here use your browser's back button.

2. Email Security

If you are going to email with others regarding your situation a secure email account is essential. If you share accounts with an abuser you can set up an account from free from either of the follow sources: http://www.yahoo.com or http://www.hotmail.com or http://www.mail.com Select a password you can remember. You never want to write it down!

3. Resources

Determine what level of service you need before you begin searching. Do you need support for information or are you looking to report the abuse being done to you so you can physically leave the environment? What you need will determine what you look for online. Once you have an idea of what you are looking for do a search through http://www.google.com or http://www.yahoo.com to find the best one for you.

Places to look for may include: domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, online police departments or other resources. Chat rooms, for instance, can be good sources of support but you may not be able to get the information you need for your situation. Crisis Centers may be able to provide support  but not at times convenient for you. If you are reporting, you need a police department.

4. Making a report.

It is always better to call "911" or your police department and physically tell someone about what's going on. If you just absolutely cannot do so, and/or if you don't have other phone access  you can try getting in contact with them via email.

Through a search engine look up the url for your local police department. Usually, different departments are listed. If not, there still may be a main email address or fax number. If you have fax capabilities from your computer create a fax and send it to them. If you do not have fax capabilities send them an email. Be sure to include your full name, address and your phone number. Tell them exactly what is going on and that you are reporting a crime. Explain fully why you are not calling in on an emergency number for your area and request they forward the information to the correct person. They will contact you.

If your police department does not have a url contact your state police or local shelter and ask for help using the same method as above. Many shelters are available online at either the state or local level. They can help you get out of an abusive situation.

Know too that if you contact the police falsely they will prosecute you and you will go to jail &/or face other penalties. Expect them to follow up. It's part of the process of getting you the help you need.

Disclaimers:

Hope for Healing.Org is not responsible for what you do with this information. It is presented to be true and accurate at the time we posted it. You are responsible for your own actions. We are not.

Disclaimer: Except for our brochures & E-book Hope For Healing.Org does not distribute music or books. All transactions are between you & the merchants. The site is by & for survivors of sexual & domestic violence. Use of this site, forums & newsletters indicates your agreement to adhere to the guidelines. Hope for Healing.Org is not responsible for what you do with the information found on the site. We offer it to be true & fair to the best of our belief when each page is posted. By using the forums, lists, chat rooms or accessing the webpage or it's components you agree to indemnify & hold harmless Hope for Healing.Org, it's volunteers, staff & directors. Participation is at your own risk.