WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 | Domestic violence victims encouraged to get head-to-toe analysis
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By Erica Shaffer - bio | email
Posted by Jason Rzucidlo - email
(WTOL) -- Kathy Mull with Behavioral Connections says getting help may be the hardest step for victims of domestic violence. She encourages them to call someone who can help lay out their options, including a head-to-toe analysis.
"It is very difficult for women to make the decision to leave based on fear of the unknown, fear of what the abuser may do," Mull said.
Mull says most women who get help fall into two categories: Those who have decided they've had enough and those who call right after a physical altercation.
Karen Peckinpaugh of ProMedica Healthcare Group runs the program that helps domestic violence victims. Of all women visiting an emergency room, one in four are victims of domestic violence.
Peckinpaugh says coming to the hospital and getting a head-to-toe analysis can be a first line of defense.
"A medical record is a legal document and that does bare weight in the courtroom process," she said.
Victims can also file a police report in the hospital and get in touch with resources to help.
When planning to leave a bad situation, Peckinpaugh says women should make sure to gather personal documents.
"Getting copies of your legal documents at home," Peckinpaugh said, "Getting the numbers on your bank statements, your insurance policies, your certificates your vaccination records."
For those who are fearful to take the leap of faith, Angela Lashley of Women's Ministries says even going to a women's shelter is taking back control to gain power and self worth.
"You realize what kind of person you are and that people deserve dignity and people deserve respect. Their humanity needs to be recognized," Lashley said.
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