Polk County Medical Society

Medicine Is The Art of Life Saving

The Healing Path

A Guide to Surviving Domestic Violence

The Healing Path Guide was created through a partnership of the Polk County Medical Society, Polk County Medical Society Alliance, Healthy Polk 2000 and the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Revised 2004.

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“The Healing Path: A Guide to Surviving Domestic Violence” (840K)

Cover (188K)

“The Healing Path,” broken up by sections:

Section 1

  • Introduction–You are not alone!
  • Terms use in this booklet
  • How do I know if I am abused?
  • Questions to ask yourself
  • Power and Control Wheel
  • Sexual abuse, marital rape and AIDS

Section 2

  • Could I be killed? Yes!
  • Why do men batter?
  • Why do I stay?
  • Crisis plan–To get out now
  • Safety notes
  • Action plan–To plan ahead
  • What to do if you are being stalked
  • Family Violence Center services

Section 3

  • What about counseling?
  • Equality Wheel
  • What about the children?
  • People with special needs
  • If the batterer uses alcohol or other drugs
  • If you are using alcohol or other drugs
  • If you are a woman of color
  • If you are an older woman
  • If you are physically disabled
  • If you are an immigrant
  • If you are lesbian or gay
  • Introduction to the Justice System
  • The Criminal Justice System

Section 4

  • Legal terms
  • When the police are called
  • If an arrest is made
  • If no arrest is made
  • When an assailant is charged
  • No-contact order
  • Simple misdemeanor charges
  • Indictable misdemeanor and felony charges
  • Crime Victim Rights Act

Section 5

  • Crime Victim Compensation Program
  • Personal Protection Orders
  • Divorce, custody, visitation
  • Summary of Iowa violence laws

Section 6

  • The Life Stages and Relationships Wheel
  • Resources available in Polk County
  • Iowa domestic abuse resources
  • In conclusion