How to Help as a Friend

HOW TO HELP AS A FRIEND

DO

Educate yourself by learning accurate information about domestic violence. Understand that cycle of abuse and several barriers may be preventing your friend from leaving the relationship. Feel free to contact our agency at 642-4422 for additional support for yourself and your friend as they navigate their situation.

Be sympathetic and provide support. You can do this by letting your friend know that you care about them and are willing to listen to them. Highlight your friend’s strengths and skills and emphasize that they deserve a life free from violence. Offer assistance with childcare, pet-care, transportation, and other things that your friend might need.

Encourage them to seek services and additional support from a domestic violence advocate at CARDV. Assure them that any information they share with the advocate will be kept confidential. Offer to go with your friend to the agency for additional support.

Help develop a safety plan. Encourage your friend to develop a safety plan to protect themself and/or their children. You can be an important piece in the safety plan by offering to store a suitcase at your home with clothing, personal items, money, and identifying documentation. You can learn more about safety plans here.

Intervene if necessary. Domestic violence can result in serious injuries and even death. Encourage your friend to come up with an easy “safe” word to text or communicate if they need someone to call law enforcement for them.

DO NOT

Be judgmental in any way. Blaming, criticizing, or guilting your friend can make them feel even further isolated. Support them in their choices and decisions even if you do not agree or understand them.

“You are not alone. I care about you and am here to listen or help in any way I can.”