DANGER? CALL 911 24-Hour Hotline: 800-332-4443
Resources & Education

Knowledge is
Power

Whether you're experiencing abuse, supporting someone who is, or seeking to educate yourself — these resources can help you understand, heal, and take action.

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1 in 4

women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime

Understanding Domestic Violence

Click to explore each topic

What is Domestic Violence?

A pattern of abusive behavior used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another. It includes physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse.

Abuse is a systematic pattern of power and control.

Types of Abuse

Verbal

Name-calling, put-downs, yelling, public degradation

Emotional

Isolation, financial control, stalking, threats

Physical

Hitting, choking, pushing, using weapons

Sexual

Forced acts, coercion, assault within relationship

An abuser's access to a firearm increases the risk of femicide by 400%.

Anyone can be a victim — any age, sex, race, culture, religion, education, or economic background.

Need help? Call our 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-800-332-4443

Is Your Partner Abusive?

If your partner does any of these things, you may be in an abusive relationship.

Controlling & manipulative behavior

Unpredictable mood swings

Isolates you from loved ones

Uses force to get what they want

Constant put-downs & name-calling

Threatens you, family, or pets

Extreme jealousy or "ownership"

Embarrasses you in public

History of violence

You are not alone.

It is not your fault.

Help is available.

Create Your Safety Plan

A personalized, practical plan to help you stay safe — whether you're still in the relationship, planning to leave, or have already left.

On average, it takes 7 attempts to successfully leave an abuser.

1 Still in the Relationship

  • Keep emergency numbers accessible
  • Tell trusted neighbors
  • Teach children to dial 911
  • Identify safe rooms with exits
  • Pack a hidden "go bag"
  • Practice escape routes

2 Planning to Leave

  • Identify people who can help
  • Open your own bank account
  • Get a safe cell phone
  • Gather birth certificates, IDs
  • Copy insurance & medical records
  • Make plans for pets

3 After You've Left

  • Get an Order of Protection
  • Change locks on doors
  • Inform your workplace
  • Vary your daily routine
  • Join a support group
  • Review safety plan regularly

Impact on Families

Understanding how domestic violence affects children and teens is crucial for breaking the cycle.

How DV Affects Children

Over 10 million children a year are affected by domestic violence. Children exposed to trauma are at serious risk for mental and physical health problems.

Domestic violence is the leading predictor of child abuse.

Young Children:
  • Bed-wetting, excessive crying
  • Separation anxiety
  • Difficulty falling asleep
Teens:
  • Fighting, bullying
  • Avoiding school
  • Risky behaviors
How You Can Help Children:
  • Make them feel safe and validate their feelings
  • Teach them about healthy relationships and boundaries
  • Help them build a support system
Children's Programs

Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence is real, common, and preventable. Understanding the facts can help protect young people.

1 in 3 high school students will be in a violent relationship
51% of teens witnessing DV will engage in similar relationships
25% of teens tell no one about the abuse
P.R.I.D.E. Prevention Program

WCF offers Promoting Respect In Dating Environments, a teen dating violence prevention program for middle and high school students.

[email protected] | 501-349-8547

Know Your Rights

Legal protections are available to help keep you safe. You do NOT need to make a police report to apply for an Order of Protection.

Orders of Protection

An Order of Protection is a civil court order that can help protect you from an abusive partner or family member.

How to Get an Order of Protection:

  1. 1 Go to the county courthouse to file a petition
  2. 2 Bring ID and an address where the person can be served
  3. 3 The judge will review your petition as soon as possible
  4. 4 If granted, file it with the clerk's office
  5. 5 Attend your court date—if you don't go, the case will be dismissed

WCF Court Advocacy: We have a full-time court advocate at the Pulaski County Court House to help with Orders of Protection and provide emotional support.

Victim's Rights in Arkansas

Arkansas law provides certain protections for victims of domestic violence:

  • Be present at all court proceedings or have a representative appear
  • Submit an impact statement to the court
  • Employment protection when participating in criminal proceedings
  • Request a secure waiting area during court proceedings
  • Know about defendant's confinement, release, or escape
  • Designate a person for moral support during court

Arkansas Crime Victims Reparations Program: Provides financial compensation to victims who have suffered personal injury or death as a result of a violent crime.

For Employers & Organizations

Domestic violence affects the workplace. Between 21-60% of victims lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from the abuse.

How Employers Can Help

Recognize warning signs:

  • Frequent absences or tardiness
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Excessive contact from partner
  • Changes in performance or mood

Create a supportive environment:

  • Develop supportive workplace policies
  • Provide confidential resources & referrals
  • Allow flexibility for court appearances

Training Available

WCF provides education and outreach on DV awareness, trauma-informed practices, and creating safe workplaces.

Perfect for: Businesses, schools, churches, hospitals, law enforcement, social service agencies

Schedule Training

Megan Hutchinson, Director of Engagement
[email protected] · 501-349-8547

By the Numbers

The reality of domestic violence in Arkansas and across the nation.

1 in 4

Women will experience DV in their lifetime

10M+

Victims annually in the U.S.

37.3%

Of Arkansas women experience IPV

7

Average attempts before successfully leaving

Additional Resources

National Hotlines

Support Groups

  • Beyond Anger and Violence

    Monday 6:00-7:00 p.m.

  • Lotus Group (Trauma-Informed)

    Tuesday 10:00-11:00 a.m.

  • Getting Safe & Sober

    Wednesday 10:00-11:00 a.m.

  • Domestic Violence Support Group

    Thursday 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Arkansas Coalition Against DV:
www.domesticpeace.com

Local Resources

Emergency Shelters

Transitional Housing

Employment Assistance

We're Here to Help

Whether you need immediate crisis support, want to learn more about domestic violence, or are seeking resources for someone you care about, Women & Children First is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

[email protected]

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Crisis Hotline & Shelter Services: Available 24/7