If you are in an abusive relationship, you may want to seek help but not know how or where to get it. There are many, many resources available to you. Also, relationship patterns tend to repeat themselves in future relationships, so, even if you are not currently in an abusive relationship but have been before, you may find it beneficial to seek help now.

• Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).
• If you live in San Angelo, TX or the Concho Valley area, call NewBridge Family Shelter any time day or night at 1-800-749-8631 or 1-325-655-5774.
• Get some books to read on domestice violence topics to educate yourself and/or self help books to help you boost your self-esteem and confidence, address mental health issues such as depression, or learn about issues from your childhood that may be contributing to negative patterns in your relationships.
• Seek individual counseling for yourself. If you are employed, your company may have counseling available through an Employee Assistance Program (ask your supervisor or talk to your Human Resources Department) or your company's health insurance may pay for professional counseling (call the insurance company's benefits phone number printed on your insurance card). Also, many communities have non-profit counseling centers that offer services at low cost or on a sliding fee scale.
• Tell at least one other person ... a family member, a friend, a doctor, a coworker, a neighbor, etc ... about the abuse and ask them to help you in any way they can.
• Develop a safety plan and/or escape plan.
• Do anything you can to remove financial barriers through being employed and/or saving up money if possible. You may need to obtain your GED (if you do not have a high school diploma) or pursue vocational/technical or academic training in order to have an income level to support yourself and your children on your own. Many communities have free adult literacy programs to help with GED preparation and there are also training assistance programs and government grants for which you may qualify.
• If needed, apply for government assistance programs such as housing assistance through HUD, food stamps and TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) through the Texas Health and Human Serviecs Commission (HHSC), and medical help through Medicaid (also under Texas HHSC).
• Seek legal help with getting a protective order or a divorce.