Intimate partner and family violence are intentional patterns of abusive behavior used by one person in a relationship to maintain power and control over another.
Intimate partner or domestic violence can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual. It is about the perpetrator establishing power and control, and a survivor is never to blame.
No one has the right to hurt you.
CVTC is here to help. We know that everyone responds differently to abuse, and that some have a different name for it or no name at all. Regardless, the effects of abuse cut deep, and CVTC can help. We provide individual therapy to help you make sense of what is happening and heal from it. We also provide support groups for survivors of intimate partner violence in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN HURT:
- Go to the nearest emergency department. If you go to one of our partner emergency departments you will be met by a CVTC volunteer advocate who can help you through the process. Emergency Department staff can take photos of your injuries and will create medical records that can be helpful in the future should you choose to report to the police.
- Consider calling 911. Calling 911 will trigger a police response and may result in the arrest of the perpetrator. A report will be made and you may become eligible for a Criminal Court Order of Protection.
- Tell someone close to you. If you feel able, tell a safe family member or friend what has happened.
Love shouldn't hurt.
MOUNT SINAI WEST
59th Street and 10th Avenue
Manhattan
MOUNT SINAI MORNINGSIDE
113th Street and Amsterdam Avenue
Manhattan
LENOX HEALTH
GREENWICH VILLAGE
13th Street and 7th Avenue
Manhattan
LONG ISLAND JEWISH FOREST HILLS
102-01 66th Rd
Queens, NY
NYU-LANGONE BROOKLYN
150 55th St
Brooklyn, NY
BROOKDALE HOSPITAL
1 Brookdale Plaza
Brooklyn, NY
Ways to stay safe.
CREATING A SAFETY PLAN
CVTC can help whether you're still in the relationship or not. For many people, it does not feel safe to leave immediately, and some may not want to at all. If you are currently being hurt, it is important that you think of ways to stay safe. The tips below are some things to consider, and if you call us, we can help talk through specifics.
- Find a safe place to go. If possible, arrange to stay with family or friends during an emergency. If that is not an option, find a domestic violence shelter in New York City by calling 1-800-621-HOPE.
- Develop an escape plan. Think of ways to get out of the house quickly and safely. Practice them.
- Make a "go bag." Prepare a bag with extra house/car keys, important documents, extra medications or prescriptions, and enough clothes (for you and your children, if applicable) for a couple of days. Arrange to keep this bag with a neighbor, friend, or in a secret place that is easily accessible during an emergency.
- Make copies of important documents. Make copies of birth certificates (yours and your childrens', if applicable), proof of insurance, bank information, passports, immigration documents/visas, etc., and hide them in a safe place.
- Create a plan with your children. Discuss with them what to do when an episode of violence begins, where they should go and how to call 911. Help them memorize important numbers to call for help.
- Disable Location Services or GPS on your phone. In your phone's settings, switch location services or GPS to "911 Only."
- Know your local precinct. Every NYPD precinct has a designated Domestic Violence Police Officer (DVPO). Click here to find your local NYPD precinct.
DURING AN EPISODE OF VIOLENCE
- Get to safety. Leave the situation if possible. Take your children with you, and the "go bag" described above.
- If you can't leave, avoid rooms with only one exit. Avoid the kitchen, bathroom and garage (places with objects that could be used as weapons). Scream and call for help.
- Call for help. Call 911. If you cannot speak to the operator, hide the phone (i.e. under a pillow) so that the call can be traced. Call a family member or friend, or scream and make noise to get help from neighbors. Dial safely: If you're using a landline phone, dial any number after you've called for help. That way the perpetrator won't be able to redial. On a cell phone, delete the call from your recent calls.
- If you are injured, get medical attention. If the abuser accompanies you to the hospital, try to be alone with the medical staff to share what is happening. Ask them to make a record of your injuries (i.e. photos or notes in the medical record) to use later in court if necessary. Going to one of our partner Emergency Departments will automatically connect you to CVTC.
IF YOU ARE THINKING OF LEAVING OR HAVE RECENTLY ESCAPED
- Change up your routine. What route do you use to get to the subway? How do you take your children to school? Where in the neighborhood do you get a cup of coffee, or which bodega do you visit? Consider things like this and change them up. Consider altering your routes.
- Tell people. If you've left or are thinking of leaving, tell someone at work. Tell your children's school and let them know who is allowed to pick the children up. Tell the children's caregivers.
- Consider getting an Order of Protection. CVTC can help with this. Orders of Protection can be obtained through Family or Criminal Court. An advocate from our Legal Services Team can help you obtain one.
- If you stay in the apartment, change the locks (CVTC can connect you to a free service). Tell neighbors to call the police if they see the abuser.
- Consider changing your phone number. Many cell phone carriers will do this free of charge. If you do not have a phone and cannot afford one, CVTC may be able to provide you with one.
- Change PIN numbers and passwords to your voicemail, bank account, email and social media.
- Develop a plan for when you encounter your abuser. Think about what you will do if you run into them on the street or if they try to contact you.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO HAVE IN A SAFE PLACE
WALLET/HANDBAG ESSENTIALS
- ID/Driver's License
- Social Security Card
- Medication (if applicable, for self/kids)
- Phone numbers of relatives/friends
- DV hotline number (1-800-621-HOPE)
PAPERWORK (TO KEEP ALL IN ONE SAFE PLACE)
- Birth certificate(s) (for self/kids)
- Passport(s)
- Marriage Certificate
- Proof of insurance
- Medical records/proof of immunizations
- Bank statements or account numbers
- Immigration documents
- Certificate/voucher for housing
- Car title and registration
- Resume/employment records
HIDDEN BAG
- Clothes/toiletries
- Diapers/bottles/formula
- Toys/books
- As much money as possible
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