| The untimely death of a young college student was | | | | get yourself and your children out of the house and |
| recently found murdered in her off campus | | | | find someone you trust to stay with so you are not |
| apartment. Her boyfriend has admitted to banging her | | | | left alone. If you are afraid your abuser may follow |
| head against the wall. This case is not unusual. The | | | | you when you go out, be sure to have someone go |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that one in | | | | with you, and always carry some type "non-lethal" |
| four people will be a "victim of" or see someone fall | | | | self defense product such as pepper spray, stun gun |
| "victim of" domestic violence. | | | | or taser. Be prepared to use it immediately; don't |
| On June 1, PBS is presenting "Telling Amy's Story". | | | | give the abuser time to try to talk to you if |
| The story details the murder of Amy Homan McGee | | | | approached. Pepper spray is the best choice since it |
| whose husband shot her at point blank range in front | | | | can be used at a distance and can leave the attacker |
| of her children and her parents. This horrific crime | | | | unable to see or breath well for up to forty minutes, |
| took place in State College, PA, November of 2001. | | | | giving you time to get away and get help. |
| Hotline President,Sherry Cates, hopes that the recent | | | | Most victims of domestic violence are afraid of |
| high profile case and the documentary will alert more | | | | seeking help due to threats made upon their lives or |
| people to the prevalence of domestic violence. | | | | the lives of their children. Quite often they are made |
| Cates states, "Domestic abuse is when it is one's | | | | to feel it is their fault and they feel ashamed. |
| intention to hurt or harm another person - whether | | | | Remember no one has the right to abuse another |
| pinching, pulling them, bear hugging them or attacking | | | | person for any reason. It is important to break the |
| with their fists, weapons or objects. It can be | | | | cycle of domestic abuse and get help for yourself or |
| emotional such as name calling, isolating from family | | | | anyone you know who may be living a life of fear. |
| and friends, threatening them, using intimidating | | | | The National Domestic Hotline is available twenty-four |
| language or threatening to take away their children". | | | | hours a day. Call 800-799-7233 for help! They can |
| If you are someone you know is experiencing | | | | give you advice, support and help you locate safe |
| domestic violence, seek help, report it to authorities, | | | | havens in your area. |
| let family members and friends know your situation, | | | | |