Hotlines: (802) 885-2050

or

(800) 228-7395

12 Valley St., Springfield VT 05156
Office: (802) 885-2368

newbeg@vermontel.net

Serving victims of domestic and sexual violence in Southern Windsor County

New Beginnings can help. We offer:

* A 24-hour hotline
* Crisis intervention at Police Departments and Hospitals
* Assistance with restraining orders
* Court advocacy
* Emergency shelter
* Community education
* Peer support groups

All services are free and confidential.

Myth: Domestic abuse revolves around one person "losing control" in anger.
Fact: Domestic abuse is a systematic attempt to control another to get your own way.

Myth: Alcohol causes the abuse.
Fact: Alcohol may contribute to an abusive relationship. However there are abusers who do not drink and the abuse does not stop even if the abuser stops drinking.

Myth: Only poor women are abused.
Fact: Women and men of all socio-economic, races, and ethnic groups are victims of domestic violence.

Myth: Battered victims provoke their abuse.
Fact: Battered victims may try to placate, accommodate, or please their abusers, BUT NOONE IS TO BLAME BUT THE BATTERER!

If you are in an abusive situation, or you know someone who is being abused, call New Beginnings to get help, find out how you can help, or just to talk.

• New Beginnings is also here for victims of Sexual Assault.
  
  If you have been sexually assaulted:
  -Get to a safe place.
  -Call a friend or family member you trust.
  -If you can, do not bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth, change your clothes, or use the toilet.
  -Contact New Beginnings. We offer complete confidentiality and as much or as little support as you want.
  -Seek medical attention, for injuries, to prevent sexually transmitted disease, to prevent pregnancy, and to gether medical evidence should you decide to prosecute.
  -Call the police. Choosing to report the crime does not mean you are committed to go to court. Reporting does give you more options later.

Myth: Real rape only happens by a stranger.
Fact: Most sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.

Myth: All victims of sexual assault are women; all perpetrators are men.
Fact: Women, men, and children of both sexes are potential victims of sexual violence. The majority of rapes are perpetrated by men, but not all.

Myth: Rape is an impulsive sexual act.
Fact: 58% to 71% of rapes are planned.

Myth: Wives can't be raped by their husbands.
Fact: Husbands can be prosecuted for raping their wives.

Myth: Women "cry rape" after consenting to sex.
Fact: False accusations of sexual assault are estimated at 2%..similar to the rate of false reporting of other crimes.

If you would like to help support the work of New Beginnings financially, or to become a volunteer in our work, call the office number listed below.