Common Questions & Answers:

What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior that establishes power and control over an intimate partner. Domestic violence incuse any and all forms of abuse: physical, sexual, and emotional. The motivation for domestic violence is control of another person's thoughts and behavior.

What is sexual assault? Sexual assault is the act of forcing another person to do something of sexual nature that he or she does not wish to do.

What services does Mercer County Women's Action & Resource Center provide to victims? Safe Shelter 24-hour - Crisis Line - Food Pantry - One-on-one Support - Support Groups - Assistance in Obtaining a Protection Order

All of our services are free and completely confidential.

If you are unable to come to our office, a staff person will meet you in a safe setting of your choice. Our staff s trained to provide you with support and options. We are here to listen to you and to support your decision. If you are not ready to make any decisions immediately, that is okay. You can call us as many times as you need to.

What are my legal options? Victims of domestic violence may take two routes in seeking legal protection: civil and criminal. The civil route involves seeking a protection order. If you wish to seek criminal charges, contact law enforcement and make a complaint. They may open an investigation, and the prosecutor will determine if charges may be brought.

If convicted, penalties may include batterers' treatment, fines and incarceration.

What is a protection order? A protection order is a court order that bars the abuser from having contact with the victim either at home or at work. Victims of domestic violence may seek a protection order with assistance from Mercer County Women's Action & Resource Center advocates. Keep in mind.

The person asking for protection must appear in the court after filing the papers.
The protection order may be granted for up to one year.
The order may offer temporary provisions regarding custody and visitation of children.
A protection order may be obtained free of charge.
If the abuser violates the order, he/she faces criminal penalties.
A protection order can be a useful tool, but you will also want to discuss a thorough safety and protection plan with an advocate from the center.

Safety checklist for victims of domestic violence:

Signals during possible violence:
What are the red flags that signal your partner's possible violent behavior?
Signals during a violent incident:
Who can help you if violence occurs? How can you alert them?
Teach your children a "code" so they know to call 911 or go for help.
Avoid certain areas of the home such as the bathroom, garage, kitchen, shop, or barn if you believe a violent incident may occur.
Safety when preparing to leave:
Do you have access to a vehicle?
What route will you take?
Are roads passable?
Keep purse and keys ready.
Decide where to go beforehand.
Bring children's favorite toys or books.
Take important documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, driver's license and title, health and immunization records, prescriptions, insurance papers, credit and ATM cards, checkbook, and address book.
Safety in the home:
Install a telephone or get a cellular phone.
Teach children how to make a collect call.
Inform childcare provider and schools who may pick up the children.
Safety with a protection order:
Keep order near.
Inform employer about order.
If a violation occurs, report it to the police.
Change the locks and install a deadbolt.
Safety on the job and in public:
Inform supervisor of situation.
Have a safe route when leaving work and have a plan if problems occur.

What services does Mercer County Women's Action & Resource Center Provide to the Community?

As a nonprofit organization, Mercer County Women's Action & Resource Center also provides the following: Education in the schools. Education for area churches, service clubs, businesses, and others. Training for law enforcement, medical and human service professionals, the courts, clergy and others on serving people who are affected by violence.