The victim wants to believe that the abuse will end. The victim s feelings that the abuse will now stop is supported by the batterer s loving behavior. Once violence has begun, it continues to increase in both frequency and severity. When you identify the cycle of violence in your relationship or that of a loved one, you can start to see how you or your friend has been victimized. Change cannot occur unless you seek assistance from a trained professional.
Resources are available.
Restraining Orders are court orders directing a violent person to stop harassing a victim or the victim s children. They may be obtained without cost, and will be enforced by the Police Department. You can request a Restraining Order against the person who hurt or threatened you or other family members by appearing at the Superior Court located nearest to you. A Restraining Order may be requested whether or not an arrest has been made or the Police Department has been called. You can also request a Restraining Order whether or not you have any relationship to the defendant.