Police Department
1105 Prairie St
Conway, AR 72032
Phone: 450-6120
Fax: 450-6180
Office Hours
8:00am to 4:30pm
Chief
450-6126
Code
Enforcement
450-6191
COP Team
450-6126
Criminal Investigation
450-6130
Narcotics
450-6135
Project POPE
450-6170
Records
450-6137
Training
450-6139
Warrants
450-6138
|
|
THE HIDDEN CRIME
Domestic Violence
As many as four million women in this country suffer some kind of violence at the hands of their husbands or boyfriends each year.
Very few will tell anyone—a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or the police.
Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, all cultures, all income groups, all ages, all religions. They share feelings of helplessness, isolation, guilt, fear, and shame.
Are You Abused? Does the Person You Love...
"Track" all of your time?
Constantly accuse you of being unfaithful?
Discourage your relationships with family and friends?
Prevent you from working or atttending school?
Criticize you for little things?
Anger easily when drinking or using other drugs?
Control all finances and force you to account in detail for what you spend?
Humiliate you in front of others?
Destroy personal property or sentimental items?
Hit, punch, slap, kick, or bite you or the children?
Use or threaten to use a weapon against you?
Threaten to hurt you or the children?
Force you to have sex against your will?
If you find yourself saying yes to any of these, it's time to get help.
Don't Ignore The Problem
Talk to someone. Part of the abuser's power comes from secrecy. Victims are often ashamed to let anyone know about intimate family problems. Go to a friend or neighbor, or call a domestic violence hotline to talk to a counselor.
Plan ahead and know what you will do if you are attacked again. If you decide to leave, choose a place to go; set aside some money. Put important papers together—marriage license, birth certificates, checkbooks—in a place where you can get them quickly.
Learn to think independently. Try to plan for the future and set goals for yourself.
If You Are Hurt, What Can You Do?
There are no easy answers, but there are things you can do to protect yourself.
Call the police or sheriff. Assualt, even by family members, is a crime. The police often have information about shelters and other agencies that help victims of domestic violence.
Leave, or have someone come and stay with you. Go to a battered women's shelter—call a crisis hotline in your community or a health center to locate a shelter. If you believe that you, and your children, are in danger—leave immediately.
Get medical attention from your doctor or a hospital emergency room. Ask the staff to photograph your injuries and keep detailed records in case you decide to take legal action.
Contact your family court for information about a civil protection order that does not involve criminal charges or penalties.
Have You Hurt Someone In Your Family?
Accept the fact that your violent behavior will destroy your family. Be aware that you break the law when you physically hurt someone.
Take respoonsibility for your actions and get help.
When you feel tension building, get away. Work off the angry energy through a walk, a project, a sport.
Call a domestic violence hotline or health center and ask about counseling and support groups for people who batter.
The High Costs Of Domestic Violence
Men and women who follow their parents' example and use violence to solve conflicts are teaching the same destructive behavior to their children.
Jobs can be lost or careers stalled because of injuries, arrests, or harassment.
Violence may even result in death.
For More Information:
Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-Safe
This new, nationwide toll-free hotline will provide immediate crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals to emergency shelters and services.
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
800-537-2238
Family Violence Prevention Fund
383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
415-252-8900
* Made available by The National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign, sponsored by the Crime Prevention Coalition.
|
|
