Use these guideline steps to helping out a friend who is a victim of domestic violence:
- Bring up the subject
- Don't be afraid to let your friend know your concerns.
- Say that you can see what is happening.
- Let your friend know that they are in a difficult and scary situation.
- Let them know that it is not their fault
- Encourage your friend to express their feeling of hurt and anger.
- Remind your friend that the abuser is 100% responsible.
- It may be difficult for your friend to talk about the situation.
- Don't buy into your friends denials.
- If your friend denies that it is a dangerous situation. Let them know that you believe that it is serious and dangerous.
- Provide your friend with reading material about domestic violence.
- Go with your friend to when they receive medical treatment, to the police, to court, or to see a lawyer.
- Help your friend develop a safe plan.
- Make sure that the plan puts safety first.
- If you are a victim, let people that care about you know.
- Confide in someone you trust.
- Do not let friends talk you into something that does not feel right. Make your own decisions.
- Leave an emergency kit with a friend.
- Ask a friend to go with you to important appointments.
- Make sure friends know your safety plan.