Domestic violence

One in every four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Justice and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. However, victims of abuse are not alone. There is support available, through hotlines such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE) and websites such as www.WomensLaw.org and www.LawHelp.org.

Domestic violence is about one person getting and keeping power and control over another person in an intimate relationship. While it is exerted in different forms, domestic violence often entails physical violence, intimidation, coercion and intense psychological abuse.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (www.ndvh.org or 1-800-799-SAFE) offers crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. The toll-free telephone hotline is staffed 24 hours a day.

WomensLaw.org (www.womenslaw.org) is a website dedicated to preventing domestic violence and helping those affected by it. It connects people with information about legal rights, finding legal help, preparing for court and helping others escape abusive environments.

LawHelp (www.lawhelp.org) is another helpful site that provides referrals to local legal aid organizations and social service agencies as well as self-help resources and information about legal rights and going to court. It was developed by Pro Bono Net, a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York that works to increase access to justice.

These sites arm victims with the information they need to take steps to prevent or end domestic violence in their lives and are gateways to both national and local information on the legal steps - such as an order of protection - that can be taken to counter domestic violence.

To report domestic abuse or get more information by phone, call:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

National Sexual Abuse Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 1-866-331-9474