How You Can Assist a Victim of Domestic Violence

• Talk in a safe, private place.

• Take the time to listen and believe what you hear

• Don’t underestimate the danger.

• Express you concern for the person’s safety

• Don’t expect change overnight; be patient and continue to offer your support

• Don’t judge or criticize the person’s decisions

• Encourage the person to make his/her own choices, but urge them to talk to someone who knows about Domestic Violence

• Let the person know that many other people are in abusive situations and tell him/her about the agencies that can help

• Don’t ask too many questions…just listen to what they want to share. By answering questions they have to relive the situation

• Do not tell the person what to do

• Remind the victim that they are NOT responsible for the abuse

• Ensure the victim that they are a good person

For more information, call the Office of Substance Abuse & Sexual Assault Education at 831-5709.