There is no easy way to respond to domestic violence, but there are many things you can do to help yourself or others deal with this life-threatening situation.

1. Call the police or sheriff.

According to Indiana law, anyone who knowingly or willfully touches you in a rude, insolent, or angry manner commits the crime of battery. No person is supposed to harm you, no matter what his or her relationship to you.

2. Get medical attention from your doctor or a hospital emergency room.

Ask the staff to photograph your injuries and keep detailed records in case you decide to take legal action against your abuser. Have a friend keep the photos in a safe place for you.

3. File a criminal complaint.

There are number of reasons why your abuser may not have been arrested even though a crime occurred. You may not have called the police. Or if you did, the police officer may have told you to go to the Prosecutor's Office to file a criminal complaint against the person who has hurt you.

The Citizen's Complaint division of the Prosecutor's Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in Room E415 on the fourth floor of the east wing of the City-County Building located in downtown Indianapolis at 200 East Washington Street. Bring with you the name and address of the person against whom you are filing a complaint. If a police officer gave you an incident card, bring that with you also. For more information, you can call the Citizen's Complaint division at 317.327.8500.

4. Contact your family court for information about a civil protection order that doesn't involve criminal charges or penalties.

In Marion County, contact the Prosecutor's Office at 317.327.8500.

5. Talk to someone.

Part of the abuser's power comes from secrecy. Victims are often ashamed to let anyone know about intimate family problems. Go to a friend or neighbor, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or 1.800.787.3224 (TDD).

6. Know what you will do if you are attacked again by developing your own Safety Plan.

Only you know when you are ready to leave your abuser. If you are considering leaving, please call The Julian Center at 317.920.9320 or other Resources and Referrals to get support.

This information adapted from materials by the National Crime Prevention Council, the National Sheriff's Association, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, and The Julian Center.