Expert: Abused Women Should Devise Safety Plan
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – In Indiana County, a mother and her two little girls' throats were slashed. The husband is charged with the killings.
In a separate case, an estranged husband allegedly shot his father-in-law to death after receiving notice of divorce proceedings.
At the Women's Center and Shelter in Allegheny County, they see about 6,000 women and children each year.
It's very difficult to process the idea that someone you love can hurt you or your children, but once you decide to escape that abuse is there a better way to do it safely?
"When she tries to leave or does leave, it escalates his low self-esteem, it escalates his fear that he's lost control over her, so the most dangerous time for her is when she leaves," Janet Scott-Mace, a spokesperson for the Women's Center and Shelter, said.
Beth who is in shelter now heard about last weekend's domestic violence. After years of physical and mental abuse, she knows how lucky she is.
"I'm proud of myself," she said. "No one can put me down anymore. No one can say I'm worthless."
Make sure you have a detailed safety plan. Most important is having a safe place to go where he can't find you – not with family or friends.
Your local women's shelter is best. Also, every county has a domestic violence hotline. Bring along personal possessions, important papers, medications, clothing and toys if there are kids.
"And most programs will hook you up with another safe place to stay and oftentimes even give you the transportation to get there," Scott-Mace said.
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