Who Are The Victims?

ANYONE CAN BE A VICTIM! Victims can be of any age, sex, race, culture, religion, education, employment or marital status. Although both men and women can be abused, most victims are women. Children in homes where there is domestic violence are more likely to be abused and/or neglected. Most children in these homes know about the violence. Even if a child is not physically harmed, they may have emotional and behavior problems.

Since abuse can happen to anyone, people can have special concerns. All resources listed in this book understand your special concerns. They will listen to you and treat you with respect.

If you are a person of color …

You may be afraid of prejudice. You may be afraid of being blamed for going out of your community for help.

If you are a lesbian, gay, or transgendered person …

You may be afraid of having people know about your sexual orientation.

If you are physically or mentally challenged or elderly …

You may depend on your abuser to care for you. You may not have other people to help you.

If you are a male victim of abuse …

You may be ashamed and scared that no one will believe you.

If you are from another country …

You may be afraid of being deported.

If your religion makes it hard to get help …

You may feel like you have to stay and not break up the family.

If you are a teen …

You could be a victim of abuse, or at risk if you are dating someone who:

• is very jealous and/or spies on you
• will not let you break off the relationship
• hurts you in any way, is violent, or brags about hurting other people
• puts you down or makes you feel bad
• forces you to have sex or makes you afraid to say no to sex
• abuses drugs or alcohol; pressures you to use drugs or alcohol
• has a history of bad relationships and blames it on others

It is hard for teens to leave their abuser if they go to the same school. They cannot hide. Gay and lesbian teens are very isolated. They can be scared they may have to reveal their sexual orientation.

If you think you are being abused, think about getting help. If your family or friends warn you about the person you are dating, think about getting help. Tell friends, family members or anybody you can trust. Call a resource listed in this book. There is help for you. You do not have to suffer in silence.

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