Helping a Friend Who is a Victim

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.