BILL OF RIGHTS FOR

SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

v     I will not be blamed or shamed for having been a victim.

v     I have the right to be happy.

v     I have the right to be free of all forms of abuse: physical, mental, emotional, psychological, sexual or societal.

v     I have the right to feel my feelings.

v     I have the right to take care of myself.

v     I have the right to have my feelings met.

v     I have the right to my choices.

v     I have the right to be loved in a healthy way.

v     I have the right to live without fear.

v     I have the right to express myself.

v     I have the right to forgive myself for things in the past.

v     I have the right to make a better life for myself.

A PERSONAL BILL OF RIGHTS

For Women Or Men

Ø      I have the right to refuse a date without feeling guilty.

Ø      I have the right to ask for a date without being crushed if the answer is no.

Ø      I have the right to choose to go to parties alone without feeling that Ive got pair up with someone.

Ø      I have the right to do almost anything as long as it doesnt hurt someone else.

Ø      I give myself the right not to act macho.

Ø      I give myself the right not to act seductively.

Ø      If I want physical closeness, I have the right to ask.

Ø      If I do not want physical closeness, I I have the right to ask.

Ø      If I do not want physical closeness, I have the right to say no.

Ø      I have the right to start a relationships slowly; to say, I want to know you better before I become involved.

Ø      I have the right to be my own self without changing to suit others.

Ø      I have the right to change a relationship/ to say, We used to be close and I want something else now.

Ø      I have the right to be told a relationship is changing and not blame myself or change myself to keep it going.

Ø      I have the right to an equal rela6ionship with the opposite sex.

Ø      I have the right not to dominate, or to be dominated.

Ø      I have the right to be quiet or spirited without being misunderstood.

Ø      I have the right to act one way with one person and a different way with someone else.

Ø      I have the right to change my goals, whenever I want.

Source:  Directions for Abused Women in Need, Make Brighter Tomorrows