How to Help an Abused Woman

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By Pamela Wilson-Lipscomb
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Domestic violence is something that does not have one face. It crosses class, educational and race lines. I have known pastors who have physically abused their spouses and had a cousin murdered by a boyfriend. Hopefully one day, we will be able to break the cycle of domestic violence.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Patience
Compassion
Wisdom

Step 1

What can you do to help victims of domestic abuse? It is sad to say, that there is almost nothing you can do, until the victim is ready to leave this violent relationship. These women are like prisoners of war and are bound in emotional chains that won't allow them to walk away.
Step 2

Call the police. If you know a woman is being abused, don't just listen to her screams, call the police. You can give a report and still remain anonymous. If someone had not phoned the police when they saw her being abused, her pain would have gone unnoticed. It is important to be careful, because this man's agenda is to dominate control and hurt women. He will have no problem doing the same to you if he knows you are involved.
Step 3

Don't be judgmental. It is easy to say what you would or wouldn't do if you were in a certain situation. Don't judge a battered woman, unless you have walked a mile in her shoes. She is already being judged as not worthy of being treated with love and respect. Don't add to the sorrow, she is already experiencing.
Step 4

Be prepared to help. Let this woman know that she can get help. Provide phone numbers and addresses to shelters for battered women. Encourage her to press domestic violence charges so that there is a record of this abuse.
Step 5

Be willing to give assistance: Help her make a plan of escape, when she is ready to leave. That will include finances, check book, extra copy of the car keys, birth certificates for her and the children, and a safe place to go. Be willing to help her with finances if she can not.

Comments

ReuseItAll said

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on 4/16/2009 Wonderful suggestions! I was abused as was my mom and sister. We've seen it in relationships around us too and, while you can't force the victim to leave, NEVER sugar coat what they going though to them!! Tell it like it is. "You are being abused!" One day they'll thank you and they'll know that they will have your support! Great information for such an important topic.