Doesn´t emotional abuse equal domestic violence?

Do you know if Disability services could refer you to somewhere that might provide temporary housing to get you out of the situation you're in? They may have more information regarding disability resources than the DV shelter had, such as maybe another one in area that may have aides on staff.

Could Disability services refer you to a place that could provide temporary housing, just to get you out of the situation until you find a permanent solution? They might be able to refer you to more services that just the DV shelter, including maybe another center that has aides on staff

Slightly off topic but do not fool yourself into thinking he will not become violent. Men who need to control use the smallest amount of force needed to keep you doing what they want. If words work they use just words.

I would keep calling but be very discreet. Right now when you are planning your escape is the most dangerous time. Please do not take it lightly. There has to be some resource someplace even if you have to use a less traditional way. I know my aunt when she left her abusive spouse actually ended up getting a bus ticket to another city for her and her children. There small town had no safe place for her and a private charity (in Wyoming) paid for it to save her life.

I don't know where you are located,but there are a lot of different organizations in the NJ/ Philadelphia area. Maybe looking at a more highly populated area closer to you would be helpful? Also, please be aware that he could be checking into your internet use. I'm not trying to scare you, but using a computer at a local library or coffee shop with wifi is safer than using the one at home while you are looking all of this up. Good luck.

ask a friend if you can stay over until you find proper housing

I'm so sorry to hear of your situation. I'm not sure if this would help, but I've recently had similar troubles, I'm in a homeless shelter right now. I'm also disabled. The particular shelter that I'm in is run by a private organization (as opposed to being gov't run), it used to be a medical facility, so they have an in house doctor and nurses, as well as a lab (blood testing capabilities) oxygen, and other such facilities that could be needed in an emergency. Most of the people here are also disabled, there are several people here who are also bed ridden and are using hospital beds and need medical type monitoring. They also serve 3 meals a day here and there are many people who have the food brought to their room.

As far as the rooms go, they are spacious, very clean, each with private bathroom and shower (basically they are sorta like small studios). There is also handicapped accessible rooms for people in wheelchairs/mobility impaired.

I got placed here by going to the local department of homeless services after I had no where to go. I was harassed by my landlord (including sexually) and then illegally locked out of my apartment. I, being on SSDI, couldn't afford to find a new place on such short notice, esp. with the lack of affordable and appropriate housing in my area. I actually won in a court case against my landlord and he was told that he needed to put me back in the apartment, but he refused, so am now looking for legal representation for my illegal eviction case so I can sue for monetary damages...I believe the landlord took advantage of my being disabled and having very little resources available to me. But from what I gather, the landlord just wanted to rent to someone else in order to charge more $$. Where I live there are laws as to how much you can raise the rent on disabled/elderly people, so basically to get around this he chose to harass me in order to get me to leave, and when I didn't leave and instead complained to the police, he decided to lock me out instead. It's totally illegal what he did, but I've been having trouble finding help because I'm sick and poor, and not many lawyers want to take pro-bono cases right now.

Anyway, I know there's a huge stigma surrounding homelessness, but it is an option to go to a homeless shelter. There are many women here who are in the same situation and cannot return to their homes because they were harassed, beaten, assaulted etc. Also depending on the county you live in, there may be some shelters that will be able to accommodate you. Where I am, since all the shelters are licensed and under contract through the gov't (even though they are privately run) by law under Americans With Disabilities Act, they need to have some places that will accommodate us.

I should tell you though, that the application process was not easy, and because it was through local social services, there are definitely some people who are, so to put it, not very "sensitive". But I mention my situation because it is an option...and so far I've been fairly comfortable with my placement here. Additionally they have been helping me find permanent housing and I will also get some financial help due to my being on SSDI and the lack of affordable housing, there's also assistance in applying for programs like section 8 or supportive housing options if I want.

Again, I don't know if this will help, but...If you would like to email me or want to ask any other questions feel free. it's "meenee@gmail.com" Take care.