What Can I do to Help?
Do you know someone in a domestic violence
relationship? Do you suspect a friend or someone you know is being abused?
If so, don’t be afraid to offer help. The following are some basic steps
you can take to assist someone who may be a target of domestic violence.
Go to your friend in an empathetic, non-blaming way.
Let him/her know that s/he is not alone. Tell the person that s/he does not
deserve to be threatened, hit or beaten.
Be a good listener. Support this person as a friend.
Allow the person to express her/his hurt and anger. Allow the person to
make her/his own decisions, even if it means s/he is not ready to leave the
abusive relationship.
Share information with your friend. Share this
brochure with your friend. Let her/him know that help is available.
Plan a safe way for your friend to leave the abusive
relationship. Encourage her/him to call the Benton County Women's Shelter
and talk to an Advocate about a Safety Plan. Never encourage someone to
follow a safety plan that the person believes puts them further at risk.
|
