EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
Find out how to be most supportive and helpful to someone who is being abused.
LEND A SYMPATHETIC EAR.
Validate their thoughts and feelings. Never blame them for what has happened or underestimate their potential danger.
ACKNOWLEDGE NO ONE DESERVES TO BE HURT.
Commend them for their strength and courage in telling you.
DO NOT JUDGE.
Be careful not to make judgments about the situation they are in or the decisions they have made or appeared to make.
GIVE HIM/HER THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT HE/SHE NEEDS.
Support their feelings as well as their choice to share them with you and acknowledge that it may have been difficult to do so.
HELP HIM/HER DEVELOP A SAFETY PLAN.
Help your friend develop a step-by-step safety plan. Make a list of emergency numbers they can call in time of need.
PROVIDE RESOURCE INFORMATION.
Share the information you’ve gathered about abuse privately. Let them know they are not alone and that people care about them.
