HOW TO HELP A FRIEND OR RELATIVE WHO IS A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

• Listen to her. Keep listening and encouraging.
• Tell her that you care about her and don’t want to see her get hurt.
• Do NOT judge. Use statements that focus on her strength, intelligence, and power.
• Do not tell her what to do. Help her explore her options instead.
• Praise her for small steps.
• Stress her right to a healthy, non-violent relationship.
• Convey that the violence is never her fault.
• Encourage her to make a safety plan.
• Do NOT put her down for remaining in the relationship.
• Continue to provide support if she chooses to stay in the relationship.
• Give her information about domestic violence.
• Give her the phone number of a local shelter and/or crisis line.
• Call the police if you witness an assault.

“Domestic Violence is a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors, including physical, sexual, and psychological attacks, as well as economic coercion, that adults or adolescents use against their intimate partners.”

For more information about “Getting Help” for victims, please click here for further details located on the “Victims” page.