About Domestic Violence and Your Rights, Part 2
by: New Mexico Legal Aid
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS A CRIME!
If you find yourself in a very bad situation, and you are very afraid for yourself or your family's safety, CALL 911 OR THE POLICE.
It is important that you know that there are many places that can give you help. One of these, New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, has a website you can reach from this section of our site. Look under the "Community Help" section of this topic heading, "Domestic Violence", and you will find a link to their site.
There are other links to sites that will give you help. If you do not have a computer, or do not know how to use one, go to your nearest public library and ask for help to reach the sites you need. The computers in public libraries are there to help people who need their services
Make a plan for escape. The time may come when you cannot stay where you are. At that time you will need a way to go somewhere else. In order to be able to do this you will have to have a plan ready.
You can probably get help to make the plan from domestic violence shelters. Find places like, The Valencia Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence. It is located in Belen, N.M. Address: PO Box 1095, Belen, NM 87002-0363, Phone: (505)864-3202. 24 hour Emergency Hotline Phone: (505) 864-1383.
Your plan should include some money. You should have a place to stay ready. You should have prepared a change of clothing for you and the kids.
Tell your best friends what is happening. Talk to them about your trouble. They may have a place where you can stay. They may know where to go for more help.
You can get a divorce. You have the right to sue the violent person for money (damages). You can sue for sexual harassment. You can sue for personal injury.
Last Reviewed On: 05/21/04
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