Do you worry someone you care about is in an abusive relationship?
Consider the following do’s and don’ts when approaching a friend, family member, co-worker, neighbor, or other loved one.
DO
Approach the other person at a time and place that
is safe and confidential.
Start by expressing concern (i.e., “I am concerned
someone may be hurting you, and I am worried about your safety.”)
Take the time to listen, believe what they may
share with you.
Communicate that you care about their safety, that they do not deserve to be hurt, and that the abuse is not their fault.
Tell them they are not crazy. A person who
has been abused often feels upset, depressed, confused, and scared. Let them know that these are normal feelings.
Tell them good things about themselves. Let them know you think they are smart, strong, and brave. Their abuser may be tearing down their self-esteem.
Respect the victim’s choices.
Encourage them to build a wide support system. Help find a support group or encourage them talk to friends and family.
Be patient.
Self-empowerment may take longer than you want. Go at their pace, not yours.
Connect them to domestic violence resources. In Callaway County, you can give them the number to the CARDV 24-hour Help Line: 573-642-4422. If your area does not have its own Help Line, you can direct your loved one to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Consider calling your local domestic violence Help Line yourself — not on behalf of your friend, but to learn more about the kinds of help available, to ask questions specific to your situation, and to learn how you can be an effective and supportive ally.
DO NOT
Do not accuse, diagnose, or judge their choices; do not draw conclusions about what they may be experiencing or feeling; and do not judge or criticize their abuser.
Do not pressure them to leave the abusive relationship. There are many reasons they may be choosing to stay. It is possible their abuser has threatened to hurt them or their children if they try to leave. The abuser may control all their finances and may have isolated the victim from friends and family, leaving the victim with very few resources of their own. The abuser may have promised to change, and the victim may still love him/her. It is never as simple as encouraging a victim to “just leave”—but, communicate to your loved one that help does exist, and that people in their community care about them and their children and want them to be safe.
Do not feel the need to be an expert. Do not try to provide counseling or advice but do assist in connecting them to trained professionals who can help. In Callaway County, the best place to start is the CARDV 24-hour Help Line: 573-642-4422. Outside of Callaway County, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, for referrals to resources in your area.