The guidelines emphasize the importance of taking action. A discussion of the first steps explains how to protect oneself, call the police, and leave the scene. Guidelines on using the criminal courts discuss how to file assault and battery charges, contact the prosecutor's office, monitor a case, use pretrial group screening, use court-ordered counseling, handle the trial, and understand sentencing alternatives. Advice on obtaining a civil order of protection explains its purposes and limitations, petitions, hearings, advantages, and possible problems. Counseling alternatives to legal resources are also discussed. A glossary of legal terms, telephone numbers in Montgomery County, and local maps.