Call 911 if physical or sexual abuse occurs or is threatened. If you don’t have a phone, try to arrange a signal with neighbors so that they can call the police. See Calling the Police for what the police can do for you, and what you should do when they arrive. Police records help in the protection order process, but are not required.

If you have been injured, go to the emergency room or urgent care unit, or see your doctor.

• You may not even know you are injured. What seems like a minor injury could be a major one.
• If you are pregnant and he has physically attacked you, tell the doctor. Especially if you have fallen or been hit in the stomach, your unborn child may also have been injured.
• If you have suffered a blow to the head, be aware of the danger of closed head injuries.
• Be specific about where he hit you and what injuries you have.

Medical records can be important evidence in criminal or civil court cases. Medical records can also help you get a Protection Order. Give all the information you feel safe to give. Medical records are confidential and are not supposed to be given out to anyone but you.

Make a Safety Plan

Figure out what to do before the next attack happens. See the next section on how to make a Personal Safety Plan.

If you need assistance or if you have questions,
call our 24-hour crisis line
425-746-1940 or 1-800-827-8840
(V/TTY available 8am-5pm)

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© 2000-2003 Eastside Domestic Violence Program