Helping someone escape from an abusive relationship can be one of the most important -- and most difficult -- things someone ever does. Even after finding the right words it may be hard to know what specific advice to offer.

The Family Violence Program, operated by Texas Health and Human Services Commission, can help.

HHSC's Family Violence Program has contracts with local domestic violence shelters to provide resources and support to victims in abusive relationships.

These services include emergency shelter, educational arrangements for children, intervention for adults and children, information on job training and placement, emergency medical care and transportation.

The program is open to anyone who's been emotionally, physically or sexually abused by a partner, former partner or another family or household member.

And, because money is an issue for many people who wish to leave their abusers, the program's services are free.

"Financial instability is one of the major barriers keeping a victim from leaving the abusive situation," said HHSC's Katie Ray- Jones.

"We give them money to pay for their first month's rent and also buy some food and supplies so they can go out and get job training.

"The average woman is abused 6.7 times before leaving. We're trying to make that number go down," she said.

Jones noted that preparation and quick action can help reduce the risk of escaping an abusive situation.

If one finds it necessary to leave in a moment's notice, she offers the following quick tips.

• Have some clothes packed ahead of time for the woman and her children.

• Keep important documents, such as Social Security card, birth certificates and checkbook on hand at all times in one's purse.

• Keep some cash in one's purse and where clothes are packed.

• Make sure to have a safe place to stay ahead of time.

• Call a battered women's shelter for directions.

"If you or someone you know is being abused, call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at (800) 799- 7233," said Jones.

Resources also are available online at www. ndvh.org, she noted.

A list of local domestic abuse shelters and other resources for many Texas cities is at www.hhsc.state. tx.us./Help.