What types of precautions do you need to take to remain free from abuse? Taking long-term precautions to remain abuse-free may require adopting and establishing new behaviours and new ways of living. It may require being more aware of abuse, abuser's tactics, and your potential danger. It can require taking steps to ensure your safety, or involving the law and pursuing legal remedies to abuse. It may mean becoming aggressive. It will mean becoming assertive. It may mean financial investment in safety measures such as alarms and locks or moving to a safe location. It may mean, choosing a living situation for safety reasons -- having roommates, or moving to a more secure or gated neighbourhood. Remaining free from abuse may include taking precautionary measures even with people you love. It may mean being more diligent, less trusting, and more cautious. It will mean being aware of red flags that signal abuse in friendships and other relationships. It may mean taking steps that send a deliberate message to potential abusers. It can mean adopting a policy of erring on the side of safety as you establish your life free from abuse. If you have been abused and are threatened by someone or fear you may be in danger, be aware diligent about your safety by following these guidelines at home: If you live alone, be careful about letting people know.

Do not readily give out your name and address.

Do not use your first name when registering a telephone.

Get an unlisted telephone number.

Get caller ID and block unidentified calls if you wish.

Report harassment calls to police or law enforcement.

Use call tracing: hang up after a call, press 69 and call law enforcement.

Do not answer personal questions asked by strangers on the telephone.

Be wary of people who call offering prizes or money.

Always lock your doors and windows.

Make sure your home looks and sounds occupied. Use times to turn on lights, radios, and televisions when you are away from home.

Install an alarm system.

Have your keys ready to enter your house; don't be overloaded with bundles while you struggle to open your door.

Keep a telephone, preferably cellular, by your bed.

Teach your children emergency numbers and call procedures.

Teach your children to ask you before they give information on the telephone or open doors to others.

Keep lights and sounds of radio or television on at night when you sleep.

Do not leave important papers in places where they would be easy to see or steal.

Do not open the door to anyone you do not know.

Do not enter your home if it looks as though it has been broken into.

CONSIDER THESE GUIDELINES WHEN YOU ARE AWAY FROM HOME: Use caution when entering elevators alone.

Avoid dark,, deserted parking or pedestrian areas.

Do not walk alone.

When walking stay clear of areas or buildings that look deserted.

Walk away from parked cars on street curbs and the street so you are not an easy target for abduction by someone driving by in a car.

Vary your routines.

Do not answer personal questions asked by strangers.

Remain calm if approached.

Carry a whistle or a cellular phone. (You can obtain a whistle from The Physical Abuse Centre at 38 Mount Hill Road, Pembroke.) If needed, call for help from passers-by.

Sit with your back against a wall, not a window. Avoid sitting in front of windows where you can be seen.

Do not take empty or uncrowded buses.

Get off bus in well-lit, well-populated areas.

Always keep gas in your car.

Drive with your doors locked.

Do not respond to strangers who make you feel uncomfortable.

Teach your children about safety procedures.

Do not linger as you walk in public; walk as though you have a purpose, and travel on errands with a friend whenever possible.

Learn how to protect your self in case of an emergency -- Take a self-defence course, purchase a body alarm or travel in groups.

Know whom to call to get information about violence. The Physical Abuse Centre 292-4366 or our 24-Hour Help-line 297-8278.

In conclusion, all men, women and children have the right to protect themselves against abuse. We, at The Physical Abuse Centre, are committed to survivors of abuse, and each other, by ensuring quality services. We cannot do it alone. We need your help. If you see, hear or even suspect that abuse is taking place, pick up the phone and call for help. Don't wait until it's your son or daughter before you become involved. Abuse in this country is getting worse. Let's do something about it. The staff at The Physical Abuse Centre would like to take this opportunity to extend to all residents of Bermuda a safe and happy Holiday Season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The Physical Abuse Centre is a part of The Family Resource Network, which consists of The Coalition for The Protection of Children, The Institute of Child & Family Health, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. and The Fathers' Resource Centre. The agencies joined in 1998 to better serve Bermuda's families with a common goal and shared vision.

NINA JONES PAC Counsellor