C.A.R.A. Inc.

09/04/2026

Survivors with disabilities may experience abuse from a partner, family member, caregiver, service provider or another trusted person.

Learn More: https://www.cara-cmc.org/disabilities

CARA 24/7 Hotline: 609-522-6489
Toll-Free: 1-877-294-2272
New Jersey Relay: 711
Immediate danger: Call 911

CARA is committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and abuse throughout Cape May County, including people with physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, and other disabilities.

09/02/2026

Abuse does not always begin with physical violence. It may look like isolation, intimidation, threats, financial control, humiliation, blame or using children against you.

For LGBTQ+ survivors, abuse may also include threatening to “out” someone, withholding access to community resources or using homophobia, biphobia or transphobia as a form of control.

If a partner controls where you go, who you speak with, how you spend money or whether you feel safe expressing yourself, those behaviors should not be ignored. You deserve a relationship built on safety, equality and respect.

CARA 24/7 Hotline: 609-522-6489
Toll-Free: 1-877-294-2272
Immediate danger: Call 911

08/31/2026

Leaving an abusive relationship is a deeply personal decision, and you do not owe anyone an explanation for the choices you make to protect yourself.

Because separation can be a high-risk time, consider making a safety plan before taking steps that may be noticed. When safe, think about transportation, a trusted destination, important documents, medications, money, keys and essential items for children or pets.

You do not need to gather everything before leaving. If you must leave quickly, your safety matters more than belongings or paperwork. CARA can help you explore your options, even if you are not sure what you want to do next.

Resources: https://www.cara-cmc.org/resources

CARA 24/7 Hotline: 609-522-6489
Toll-Free: 1-877-294-2272
Immediate danger: Call 911

08/27/2026

Technology abuse may include monitoring your location, accessing your accounts, reading private messages, impersonating you or controlling connected devices.

If someone seems to know information you did not share, a phone, account, vehicle, tracker or smart-home device could be involved. Before changing passwords, removing trackers or resetting devices, consider speaking with an advocate. Sudden changes may alert the person monitoring you or erase important evidence.

If possible, contact CARA from a device the abusive person has never accessed. Private or incognito browsing does not guarantee that your activity is hidden.

https://www.cara-cmc.org/

CARA 24/7 Hotline: 609-522-6489
Toll-Free: 1-877-294-2272
Immediate danger: Call 911

08/25/2026

In every relationship, you have the right to be yourself, maintain your own friendships, express your feelings, change your mind and make decisions about your body and your life.

You also have the right to say no, leave a situation that makes you uncomfortable and end a relationship at any time. A caring partner will respect your boundaries, choices and independence.

If someone pressures, frightens or controls you, support is available.
https://www.cara-cmc.org/

CARA 24/7 Hotline: 609-522-6489
Toll-Free: 1-877-294-2272
Immediate danger: Call 911

08/21/2026

Financial abuse can be easy to miss because it doesn't always look like abuse.

Maybe your partner controls all the money. You have to ask before buying everyday necessities. They question every dollar you spend, prevent you from working, take your paycheck, hide financial information, run up debt in your name, or make sure you don't have enough money to leave.

You may even have money coming into the household and still have no real control over it.

Financial abuse is about more than money. It's about using money and financial resources to create dependence and limit your choices.

If this sounds familiar, you don't have to confront your partner or make a decision about leaving before reaching out for support.

You can start with a conversation. CARA can listen, help you understand what you're experiencing, and talk with you about your options.

CARA 24/7 Hotline: 609-522-6489
caracmc.org

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

08/19/2026

Maybe you have become very good at knowing what will upset them.

You carefully choose your words. You avoid certain subjects. You hide harmless things because you don't want an argument. You apologize just to keep the peace.

When you live this way for long enough, it can start to feel normal.

But constantly changing your behavior because you are worried about your partner's reaction can be a warning sign of abuse.

If this feels familiar, you don't have to make a major decision today. Start by talking to someone you trust or reaching out confidentially to an advocate.

You can call even if you're not sure whether what you're experiencing is abuse.

CARA 24/7 Hotline: 609-522-6489
caracmc.org

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

08/18/2026

Abuse does not always begin with something obvious.

Sometimes it begins with behaviors that can be mistaken for love or concern. They want to know where you are all the time. They become upset when you spend time with friends. They question what you wear, who you talk to, or how you spend money.

Over time, you may notice that your world has become smaller—and that avoiding their anger has become part of your everyday life.

Ask yourself: Am I becoming more isolated? Do I feel like I need permission? Am I afraid to disagree? Do I change my behavior to keep the peace?

You don't have to wait for things to become worse before asking for help.

CARA is available 24/7 to listen and help you understand your options.

CARA 24/7 Hotline: 609-522-6489
caracmc.org

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

08/14/2026

Non-fatal strangulation should always be taken seriously. There may be no bruising, and symptoms may not appear immediately, but that does not mean an injury has not occurred.

Non-fatal strangulation is a serious form of violence that can cause significant internal injury even when there are no visible bruises or marks.A survivor may be able to breathe, speak and move normally after an assault and still have injuries that require medical attention. Some symptoms may not a...

08/14/2026

If you have tried to leave before and went back, or if you are thinking about leaving but aren't ready, you can still ask for help.

There are many reasons leaving can feel impossible.

You may be worried about where you will live, how you will support yourself, what will happen to your children or pets, whether your partner will find you, or what they might do if they discover you are planning to leave.

You may also still love them. You may remember the good times. You may hope they will change.

You do not have to explain or defend those feelings.

And reaching out for help does not mean you have to leave today.

You can talk with someone about what is happening, learn about available resources, and begin thinking about your safety and options at your own pace.

When you're ready to talk, CARA is here.

CARA 24/7 Hotline: 609-522-6489
caracmc.org

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.