|
Have
you or someone you know ever experienced the following by a
boyfriend, husband or intimate partner?
Name-calling
or put downs.
Isolation
from family or friends.
Withholding
of money.
Actual
or threatened physical harm.
Sexual
assault.
|
These
are all examples of domestic violence, which includes partner
violence, family violence, spouse abuse, child abuse, battering, and
wife beating. This violence takes many forms, and can happen once in
a while or all the time. Although each situation is different, there
are common warning signs, to look out for, including those behaviors
listed above. Knowing these signs is an important step in preventing
and stopping violence. |
Warning
Signs of Abuse
(please
read)
~Suggestions
for Helping~
(This
is geared toward women because the majority of domestic violence is
against women. It is important to emphasize, however, that violence
occurs to others as well, and is equally unacceptable.)
________________________
Do
you know someone in a battering relationship? Do you suspect that a
friend, relative, or someone you know is being abused? If so, don't
be afraid to offer help - you just might save someone's life. Here
are some basic steps you can take to assist someone who may be a
target of domestic violence.
Approach her
in an understanding, non-blaming way. Tell her that she is not
alone, that there are many women like her in the same kind of
situation, and that it takes strength to survive and trust someone
enough to talk about battering.
Acknowledge that
is it scary and difficult to talk about domestic violence. Tell her
she doesn't deserve to be threatened, hit or beaten. Nothing she can
do or say makes the abuser's violence OK.
Share information.
Show her the Warning List, Violence and Non-Violence Wheels. Discuss
the dynamics of violence and how abuse is based on power and control.
Support her
as a friend. Be a good listener. Encourage her to express her hurt
and anger. Allow her to make her own decisions, even if it means she
isn't ready to leave the abusive relationship.
Ask if
she has suffered physical harm. Go with her to the hospital to check
for injuries. Help her report the assault to the police, if she
chooses to do so.
Provide information
on help available to battered women and their children, including
social services, emergency shelter, counseling services, and legal
advice. To find this information, start with the Yellow Pages.
Inform her
about legal protection that is available in most states under abuse
prevention laws. Go with her to district, probate, or superior court
to get a protective order to prevent further harassment by the
abuser. If you can't go, find someone who can.
Plan safe
strategies for leaving an abusive relationship. These are often
called "safety plans." Never encourage someone to follow a
safety plan that she believes will put her at further risk. And
remember that she may not feel comfortable taking these materials
with her.
~From
"Domestic Violence: The Facts"~
~Battered
Women Fighting Back~ |
