Women are victims of violence in about one out of six families nationally Children, including babies, are affected by what they see, whether or not they are the direct targets of the abuse. Seeing parents hit each other or shout at each other affects girls and boys differently. As teens and adults, Boys who see parental hitting are more likely to be violent against women in their lives. Girls are more likely to seek out and tolerate abusive partners. Children in violent homes learn that it is OK to hit the people they love. They also learn to solve family conflicts with violence. Most families solve their disagreements by talking them out, not by hitting. When partners don’t agree, they can try to compromise, take turns doing what they want to do, or seek outside help to come up with a solution. If you or someone you know is living in a violent home, think about the children. It’s against the law for people to hit each other, whether they are married or not. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, or a combination of the three. If you feel you can’t protect yourself or your children, you need to get help. Get support and information from a hot line, advocate, counselor or trusted friend. You can call a national domestic violence prevention hot line at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) for help. These people can help you: Find a safer way to stay in the relationship. Leave the relationship or your home in a safe way and get to a new, safe place and stay safe. Get help with housing, food, clothes and other needs.

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