Al-Anon Suffolk Information Service

ASIS, PO Box 490, Farmingville, NY 11738

A SPECIAL WORD TO ANYONE

CONFRONTED WITH VIOLENCE

Al-Anon's gentle process unfolds gradually, over time. But those of us facing violent, potentially life-threatening situa­tions may have to make immediate choices to ensure safety for ourselves and our children. This may mean arranging for a safe house with a neighbor or friend, calling for police protection, or leaving money and an extra set of car keys where they can be collected at any time in case of emergency. It is not necessary to decide how to resolve the situation once and for all - only how to get out of harm's way until this process of awareness, acceptance, and action can free us to make choices for ourselves that we can live with.

Anyone who has been physically or sexually abused or even threatened may be terrified of taking any action at all. It can require every ounce of courage and faith to act decisively. But no one has to accept violence. No matter what seems to trigger the attack, we all deserve to be safe.

In all Our Affair: Making Crisis Work for You...Reprinted with Permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc, Virginia Beach, VA