If Someone is Threatening You
You May Have More Help Than You Realize
Sometimes the hardest part of saying no to an abortion is being afraid of what will happen if you do.
We understand that the consequences you are being threatened with may be very real—and could affect your safety, home, finances, relationships, or the people you care about most. Simply hearing “the decision is yours” doesn’t make those consequences disappear.
We want to understand what is making you feel that you have no other choice—and help you find ways to address the problems making you feel trapped.
Tell Us What You're Facing
Depending on your circumstances, we can help with housing, financial assistance, food and everyday necessities, transportation, childcare, employment concerns, school or college issues, legal advocacy, counseling, and other challenges that may be making it difficult to continue your pregnancy.
Tell us what you are afraid will happen if you don’t have an abortion. We can look at each concern with you, help with the needs we can address directly, and bring in trusted professionals and community organizations when additional assistance is needed.
We cannot promise that every problem will have an easy solution. But we will take what you are facing seriously and do everything reasonably within our ability to help.
You Can Speak With Us Privately
If there is something you want or need to tell us, we will make sure you have a chance to speak with us alone.
We make one-on-one time a normal part of our visits, so you never have to ask for it in front of the person who came with you. Our intake paperwork also gives you a quiet, discreet way to let us know there is something you would like to discuss.
You will also find small cards in our restroom with information you can take with you if you need additional help now or later.
Whatever is happening, you can share only what you feel comfortable sharing, when you are ready. You don’t have to explain everything at once.
You Don't Have to Be Ready to Leave
The person threatening you may also be someone you love, live with, depend on, or share children with. You may not be ready to leave. You may not want to leave. Or leaving may not feel safe or possible right now.
You do not have to end your relationship to ask for help.
You can find out what assistance is available, consider what could make things safer or more manageable, and decide what you want to do from there.
Additional Help Is Available
Circle of Hope works closely with Peaceful Paths, our community’s certified domestic violence center. Their advocates can help with safety planning, emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, housing assistance, and other needs related to domestic violence.
Peaceful Paths 24-Hour Helpline
352-377-8255
You can call Peaceful Paths yourself, or we can help you reach them.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers confidential help 24 hours a day:
CALL: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
TEXT: Text START to 88788
CHAT: TheHotline.org
Whatever you are facing, please know there is a place for you here. Come as you are, tell us what you can, and we’ll begin there together.