Three Top Tips when Faced with Domestic Abuse and Pregnancy in Kansas
Domestic abuse is no laughing matter. It is much more common in today’s world than many believe. Your child’s birth father may have done something very unacceptable, related to domestic abuse and caused an unplanned pregnancy. While we know that this is very scary to think about, we are here to help. We are a safe place for you to come to, and everything is kept confidential. There is also counseling and legal services available to you at no cost.
You might be thinking how you can recieve help with domestic abuse and pregnancy in Kansas, where it seems that there is more land than people. The great news is that there are plenty of resources throughout the state, including, but not limited to, the national hotlines. You are never alone and can find a safe solution from your situation. Adoption Choices of Kansas is always here to be of assistance. We want you to be able to feel secure while placing your baby for adoption.
Here are three tips on how you can do this:
Tip #1: Breathe. If you are a victim or domestic abuse, may feel hopeless. This is completely natural. An unplanned pregnancy on top of that can amplify that feeling, which is why we are here to remind you to breathe. Everything is going to be ok. You have options, and you are not alone. Healing from domestic abuse and deciding how to best handle your unplanned pregnancy will take time and that’s ok. Try out some self-meditation exercises like yoga. Go for a walk. Read a book. Take a bubble bath. Whatever calms your stress — and breathe. This will all help you to feel less anxious and think more clearly.
Tip #2: Be assertive. If your child’s birth father is known to be abusive and sees that you have clearly been hurt, he may take advantage and inflict more pain. This can put both you and your baby in danger. If you are not able to immediately remove yourself from the situation, call a friend or family member to come help. Then try being assertive. Inform him of your pregnancy and your decision to place your baby for adoption. Remember that this is not only about you, but also your baby. Nobody can decide how you live your life besides you.
We suggest that being assertive and standing up for yourself is the best way to ensure self-confidence and show him that he does not hold power over you. That you are a strong and independent woman. Once he realizes this, he may say more hurtful things before leaving, but continue to stand strong. No matter what, you are worth it and you are never alone. If you need any advice on being assertive, your adoption caseworker or counselor can help, or you can speak with one of the hotline professionals.
Tip #3: Call the Hotline.Here is the information for the National Domestic Violence Hotline you can call for immediate assistance. There is also an option for LIVE chat if you would prefer to speak to someone that way. Everything is kept private and confidential. Advocates are ready and available to talk with you 24/7. We have provided the phone numbers and company names for the Kansas area for easy identification.
- Hotline #1: Kansas Crisis Hotline. Phone number: 1-888-363-2287. This hotline is used statewide and has been given through the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Your calls remain confidential and someone will be available to speak to you as a result. Please call them if you are in need of immediate assistance.
- Hotline #2: Hope House Ottawa, KS. Phone number: 785-242-4444. Hope House is a nationwide organization that helps anyone that is a victim of domestic abuse. They are very familiar with cases of domestic abuse and recognize that pregnancy is very common amongst cases of domestic abuse. Although you may not live in or around Ottawa, Hope House can still help you, no matter where in Kansas you live. Please reach out to them if you are in need of any assistance.
- Hotline #3: National Domestic Violence Hotline. Phone number: 1-800-799-7233. This number can be used for anyone in the United States that is a victim of domestic abuse. Calls remain confidential and they are able to assist with any comments or concerns you have regarding your domestic abuse and pregnancy. Please contact them if you are feeling scared and unsure. They are here to help you.
Domestic Abuse and Pregnancy in Kansas
We hope that these hotlines and tips can help you with any level of fear that you may be experiencing. Domestic abuse is something that Adoption Choices of Kansas takes very seriously, and we want you to know that you are never alone. You are a beautiful woman who has your whole life ahead of you. It may seem like the world is ending, but trust us. Things will get better.
If you are uncomfortable speaking to somebody on a hotline, try out some of our other tips or make an appointment to speak with your adoption caseworker. Domestic abuse and unplanned pregnancy is scary, but getting the right kind of help is very much worth it. Remember that we are here to help you in any way that we can and will keep both you and your baby safe.
Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more!
Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071
Meet the Author: Jason Legasse is a rising senior English major studying at Siena College in Loudonville, New York. He hails from the Albany, New York area, but has plans to relocate to sunny Venice, Florida with his mom come Fall. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Jason plans to study General Special Education at Meredith College, where he will earn a Master’s degree and use that to teach middle school Special Education.
Jason is a self-proclaimed introvert with Asperger’s who really enjoys writing. He has a huge passion for helping others, specifically those with disabilities. He is very excited to be working with Adoption Choices over the summer, and looks forward to learning more about the adoption process!
References
- https://www.facebook.com/HopeHouseOttawaKs/
- https://ag.ks.gov/public-safety/domestic-violence
- https://www.thehotline.org/
- https://youtu.be/itZMM5gCboo
