IF YOU ARE IN A BAD RELATIONSHIP:

Discuss your concerns. It is never too late to make your feelings clear with your partner. If expressing your concerns leads to more abuse, get help.

Trust your gut. If you have concerns about someone you're dating or want to date, trust you feelings. If the person refuses to discuss your concerns, you should refuse to go out with them.

Believe in yourself. It's common to question whether the abuse took place, whether it was really "that bad," and whether it was your fault, but it's important to stand by your feelings. If you feel you were abused, then you were abused.

Think of your safety. Abusive relationships tend to get worse, not better. Resist the temptation to give the person "one more chance." Realize that by the time you are asked for "one more chance" you have likely already given your partner numerous chances. Refuse to take phone calls and to return messages from the abuser.

Break the silence

*Talk with someone. Tell  a parent, relative, friend, trusted adult, school nurse, doctor, minister or school counselor.

*Call The National Domestic Violence Hotline. 1-800-799-SAFE

*Call The Rape and Incest National Network. 1-800-656-HOPE

*If you've been physically or sexually hurt, get medical attention.

*If you fear you'll be hurt, call the police.

*Consider getting a legal protection order.

*Call the domestic violence program or rape crisis center in your area.

WV Domestic Violence Programs

Beckley

304-255-2559

Charleston

304-340-3549

Elkins

304-636-8433

Fairmont

304-367-1100

Huntington

304-529-2382

Keyser

304-788-6061

Lewisburg

304-645-6334

Martinsburg

304-263-8292

Morgantown

304-292-5100

Parkersburg

304-428-2333

Welch

304-436-8117

Wheeling

304-232-2748

Williamson

304-235-6121

West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services: