How to REALLY Help Victims of Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence are often around us, hidden but in plain sight. Often, they exhibit signs of the abuse, silent cries that a less-than-attentive individual might miss. For many people, domestic violence is a sad, yet off-putting subject, dismissed with a claim that others shouldn't interfere in another family's business. Failure to interfere however, can often have grave consequences.
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Instructions
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Recognize the signs of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse victims display warning signs, indicating they are indeed in trouble. Often, victims of domestic violence may seem afraid of or anxious to please their partner and generally will go along with whatever he may say. They'll feel the need to check in with their partner often and report in-depth on where they are and what they're doing. They may share stories of a partner's ill-temper, possessiveness and/or jealousy, or be subject to harassing phone calls in your presence.
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Recognize the signs of physical violence. A victim of physical abuse may seem to suffer from frequent physical accidents and may dress inappropriately to hide bruises, welts, bumps or marks. She might also miss school, work or other obligations without warning or explanation.
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Recognize signs of isolation. Abusers often isolate their victims to maintain maximum control and increase the victim's dependence on them. When a victim of domestic abuse is being forced into isolation, she'll be restricted from seeing family and friends; will rarely go out in public; and will have little access to money, credit cards, a family car or other resources.
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Recognize the psychological signs of abuse. Abuse victims suffer from low self-esteem; show major personality changes; and exhibit signs of depression, anxiety or suicidal tendencies.
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Intervene. If you suspect someone is the victim of domestic abuse, ask, in private. Point out the warning signs you've noticed and express concern. Listen carefully to the response and refrain from giving advice or judging. Offer your support and reassure her that the conversation will be kept in the strictest confidence. Don't pressure her.
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Contact outside help. Organizations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an agency for women, and the Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women are equipped to counsel you on how to best help a victim of domestic abuse.
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Help them find a place to stay. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, your state's branch of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or your local police station for information on a safe place for a domestic violence victim to stay.
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Contribute to the cause. Every day, more than 600 families call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help under dire circumstances. Hotlines, crisis centers and women's shelters across the country operate because of time and money donated to helping women and families in crisis.
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