Problem: Article: You will need five or six foot-long sheets of aluminum foil, a few sheets of newspaper torn into one inch by six inch strips, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, scissors, a ribbon or large rubber band, a cup of flour, a cup of water, a mixing bowl, and a spoon. Most bat masks use black paint for the "fur," white paint for the eyes, and red paint for the mouth. However, feel free to get creative! You can measure out foil from a roll or purchase individual sheets of foil from a baking supply store. Add a cup of flower and a cup of water to a mixing bowl. Mix it well to remove any lumps. The mixture should be the consistency of glue. If it's too thin, add some more flour. If it's too thick, add some water. If you don't feel like mixing up your own glue, you can buy non-toxic clear paper mache paste at a craft supply store. Crinkle each sheet of foil slightly. Next, lay the sheets of foil on top of one another. Press the layers of foil onto your face, using your fingers to outline each major facial feature. Pay special attention to the areas around your nose, brow bones, eyes, and chin. The more detail you press into the mold, the better the mask will fit your face. If your mold seems flimsy, gently stuff the inside with newspaper to help it keep its shape. First, dip a strip of newspaper into your glue until it's completely saturated. Gently squeeze any excess glue off the tip. Next, lay the strip of newspaper down on your mask. Repeat this step, completely covering the mask with strips of newspaper. If you'd like to add ears to your mask, fold pieces of wet newspapers into triangles and attach them to the top of the mask. These triangles will take extra time to dry. Allow each layer to dry before adding another layer. Once the fifth layer has dried completely press gently on the mask to test the strength. If you think the mask is too flimsy, add another layer of paper mache and test it again. If you add a layer of paper mache before the previous layer has dried, your mask will take twice as long to dry. Paint from light to dark, allowing the paint to dry between each layer. For example, if your mask will have large eyes and pointy teeth, paint the eyes and teeth first, the red mouth next, and the black fur last. Otherwise, the lighter paint will mix with the darker paint and create a mess of grays and pinks. Acrylic paint is water-soluble. Therefore, if you only have one paintbrush, you can dip it in water in between colors to clean off the paint. Avoid using oil paints and other paint types that take a long time to dry. Otherwise you'll be waiting a few days for your mask instead of a few hours. Use a sharpie or pencil to mark out the mouth and eye holes before cutting them out with scissors. If you're not sure where to put the holes, wear the mask while you carefully mark the areas to cut. If your mask is uneven, neatly trim the edges of your mask. Most people cut small circles on the eye area to see through and a thin slit on the mouth area to talk through. If you have trouble cutting small areas with scissors use a hobby knife instead. These knives can be found at most craft supply stores. Cut two holes on the sides of the mask. Next, thread a ribbon or large rubber band through this area. Place the mask on your face and tie the ribbon or rubber band tightly. The mask should rest tightly but comfortably. If you have long hair, use a ribbon instead of a rubber band. Rubber bands can cause damage to your hair.
Summary: Gather your supplies. Make some paper mache paste. Make the foil mold. Cover the mold with paper mache. Add five layers of paper mache. Paint your mask. Cut and trim the mask. Attach the mask to your head.

Problem: Article: Most shelters will provide guidance towards legal help. Some even offer free legal services for survivors of domestic violence. Even if you are not staying at a shelter, you should contact the organization (most have a help line) to inquire about free or low-cost legal services. Some organizations help with immigration services for immigrant victims of domestic violence; don't stay in an abusive situation because you fear deportation. You have the right to be free of violence even if you are an immigrant. You will likely need an attorney to support you through the legal battle(s) that you may have to face. If you were married to your abuser, if you had children together, or if you are an immigrant, you will need to make legal changes that an attorney can help with. If you do not have money, you may still be able to get an attorney. Some attorneys will include a suit for fees from your abuser in the event of a court case in your favor. Some may also take your case "pro bono," or as an act of charity. A PPO is a court-backed document that allows you legal protection from a past abuser. To file for a PPO, take any and all evidence of abuse you have as well as a letter describing the abusive situation and the relationship between you and your abuser to your local courthouse. They should provide you with further instructions about how to fill out the appropriate paperwork to get a legal PPO. After you file for your PPO, if it is approved, it will need to be legally served to your abuser, and you will need to file a proof of service with the court. Talk to the clerk at the courthouse about how to do this. Once you have a PPO, keep it with you at all times. If your abuser violates the terms of the PPO, you may need to show the PPO to the police. Be aware that a PPO does not guarantee your protection. It makes it easier to have your abuser arrested in the event of further incidents, but a PPO is often not enough to keep a violent abuser away from you completely. If you have been recently assaulted, or if you have records of abuse (police and/or medical records), file assault charges against your abuser. You might be able to file for assault without physical evidence (particularly if you can provide witnesses to your abuse), but it will be much easier if you collected physical evidence of assault before you left. You will likely have a case against your abuser that has multiple levels (for example, you might file for divorce, sue for child custody, file for assault, and request a PPO). The complicated nature of these charges necessitates a lawyer. Once you have left your abuser, you will need to cut legal ties. If you were unmarried and did not have children, this may be as easy as canceling joint accounts. If you were married and had children, you may face complicated legal battles that will require seeing your abuser (in the courtroom if nowhere else). Be prepared for this by leaning on the support systems you now have in placethe shelter, your legal counsel, your friends and family, and a therapist. Whether you prefer the personal attention of a therapist or the community of support from group therapy (or both!), you need to get help. Surviving abuse is not easy, and getting out takes a lot of strength. You need to lean on others to heal effectively, stay strong, and prepare yourself for healthier relationships in the future.
Summary:
Ask a shelter for guidance or resources. Contact an attorney. File for a personal protection order (PPO). File assault charges. Take the appropriate steps for divorce or child custody. Go to therapy.