If you are a victim of abuse, know it is never your fault. Abuse occurs in many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, and financial—and anyone can fall victim to it. You deserve healing and support.
There are resources available to help you find safety and assistance. We’ll walk you through the essential things you must remember when seeking help.
1. Speak to Someone You Trust.
If you believe you are a victim of abuse, reaching out to someone you trust can offer comfort and additional support. Consider speaking to a loved one, such as a friend or family member. If you cannot talk to someone in your inner circle, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233). They can provide a listening ear and helpful information.
2. Seek Help Immediately If Physically Harmed.
Should you be physically harmed, don’t wait to find help. Stay with a loved one you can trust, or seek help from a professional domestic abuse victim support organization. The latter can offer confidential support and housing during this time of transition.
Sometimes, physical abuse escalates during situations like pregnancy. If that is true for you, you must leave the abusive environment for your and your baby’s protection.
3. Have a Back-Up Plan.
As you make arrangements to leave, pack essential items like banking information, identification documents like your driver’s license or passport, credit cards, and Social Security card. Sometimes, retrieving these documents seems impossible, especially if you’re in an unsafe situation. In that case, you are the priority. Focus on removing yourself from the environment; you can acquire replacement documents.
Pack a suitcase with extra clothes, toiletries, medications, and any prenatal vitamins or other items for your pregnancy. See if a friend or family member can store the bag at their home if you need to leave quickly.
How We Can Help You
Missouri’s Alternatives to Abortion Program can help pregnant women impacted by domestic violence and abuse. If you are a pregnant woman who wants to carry your unborn child to term, is a Missouri resident, and makes less than 185% of the federal poverty level based on your latest tax filing, we can assist you with resources.
Our providers offer domestic abuse protection services and can be easily reached through our website. If you’re in immediate danger, remove yourself from the situation and contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 911.
You are not alone. We are here to offer support; our provider network can assist with housing, medical care, and more. If you have questions about the program, please email us at DFAS.A2APROGRAMS@dss.mo.gov.
