Recognize barriers

Anyone who feels threatened, vulnerable or scared in a relationship needs help. Along with causing physical harm, domestic violence can lead to many other problems, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also can raise the risk of drug or alcohol misuse.

But seeking help isn't always easy. Some situations might make it feel harder to reach out to others.

• Immigrants who don't have permanent legal status may not seek help out of fear that they might be deported. Language barriers, financial dependence and less social support also might make it hard for some immigrants to get the help they need.

  Laws in the United States provide protection from domestic abuse, regardless of a person's immigrant status. Free or low-cost resources are available. That includes lawyers, housing and medical care. Some people may be eligible for legal protections that allow immigrants who experience domestic violence to stay in the United States.

• Older woman may face challenges related to age and the length of their relationships. They may have grown up in a time when domestic violence was not talked about. Health problems might raise older women's dependency on a partner or their sense of responsibility to that person.
• LGBTQ+ individuals might be less likely to seek help after an assault if they don't want others to know about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some may fear discrimination. Sometimes women who are assaulted by another woman don't seek help because they don't think that they'll be believed.

Remember, though, no matter what your situation, if you're being abused, you aren't to blame.

Help is available. Start by telling someone. That could be a family member or close friend. Or it could be a healthcare team member, an advocate at a domestic violence hotline or another person you trust. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) offers help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in many languages.

At first, it might be hard to talk about abuse. But you'll likely feel relief and receive much-needed support.