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There are several stages of abuse and depending upon which stage a you are in, you will need different forms of help. The links below will provide information about each stage as well as contact information for resources in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. By clicking on the statements below, you will find resources to help you decide what to do next.

  1. I think my partner may be abusing me, but I'm not sure.
  2. I know my partner is abusing me but I'm not sure what to do next.
  3. I think I want to leave my partner but I'm not sure how.
  4. I think I am in danger and I need to leave NOW.
  5. I would like to leave my partner and I want to plan it out.
  6. I have left my partner but I still need help.

    Leaving your partner is the biggest hurdle in the survival process. However, some people neglect the after effects of violence. The major hurdles one faces after leaving an abuser is securing permanent housing and safety and finding a therapist.

    If you need to find a job and are not sure where to start, the Women's Center has resources on how to find a job, write a resume, and generally get through the interviewing process. Once you are earning money, you can open up a bank account in your name. Many banks offer free checking services; most of the time you are required to have only $25 to open an account.

    When looking for a place to live, try to look for places with wooden or metal doors to protect you and make sure there is a deadbolt on the door. If you can, get an alarm system. If you do not have a lot of money, you may be eligible for section 8 housing. Edna Health offers section 8 housing in Chapel Hill but there is a very long waitlist. Nearby Chatham County has section 8 housing that Orange County residents are eligible for. If you have children you should alert their school of the situation to protect them from the abuser.

    Finally, a very important step in ending the cycle of abuse is finding therapeutic help. Orange Person Chatham County offers temporary free therapy to survivors of violence for those who do not have the money or the insurance to work with a private therapist. If you do have insurance, most policies cover the cost of mental health services.

    The link below will tell you how to contact all of these organizations.

    Click here for resources that can help you deal with the after effects of abuse.
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