Are Your Or Your Child In A Violent Situation?

If you and your children are living with violence, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your children. Remember, violence is not just hitting; it can be making threats to hurt you or the kids, hurting your family's pet, throwing things, punching walls, following you everywhere, etc. It is not your fault!

Artist: Scot Contributed by Shaw House

You can call 911 for immediate assistance if you are in harm's way. The police will investigate and may arrest your abuser.

You can ask for an Order for Protection From Abuse. You do this by filing a Complaint for Protection with the Maine District Court. The court forms are available on the Pine Tree Legal Assistance website. To learn more about Protection From Abuse Orders, see Protection From Abuse: How the Law Works in Maine.
If your abuser does not follow the order, you should call the police. It is a crime to violate a Protection from Abuse Order.

You can get support services from local agencies. You can also seek safe housing in a shelter. To find a shelter or support group in your area, click here. If you go to a shelter, your child should not have to change schools even if the shelter is in a different school district. This is because your child should be considered homeless once you have left your home for a domestic violence shelter. For more information, see Rights of Homeless Students to Attend School (opens in a new window).