Know someone who is living in a violent relationship?
Domestic Violence does not discriminate...it can happen to anyone, at any age, and at any stage. .
The most important thing to remember is you are not alone and there is help available
Phone your local refuge for advice if you are uncertain about anything...they will offer practical, real ways to help her and support you while you are doing it.
Below is a list of ways to help you while you help her...
TELL HER ABOUT YOUR CONCERN - and dont be afraid to raise the topic if she doesn't LISTEN TO HER - Try to understand but not to blame. Tell her she is not alone and there are many women in the same situation ACKNOWLEDGE IT TAKES STRENGTH - to trust someone enough to talk to them about their abuse. Dont push her to talk if she doesn't want to ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SHE IS IN A FRIGHTENING SITUATION - SUPPORT HER AS A FRIEND - Allow her to make her own decisionsDONT TELL HER TO LEAVE the relationship if she isn't ready to do so. It is her decision TAKE HER TO THE DOCTOR'S if there has been any physical harmSUPPORT HER to report the assault to the Police if she wants to EDUCATE YOURSELF so you are able to provide information on organisations that offer help and support like women's refuge Tell her the 0800 REFUGE NUMBER PLAN SAFETY STRATEGIES support her to do this in her own way. Give her a copy of the Women's Refuge Safety Plan OFFER HER THE USE OF YOUR ADDRESS - and/or telephone number to leave information or messages. Offer to look after an 'emergency bag' for her if she wants this LOOK AFTER YOURSELF - it isn't easy to support someone through this difficult time. DO NOT put yourself into a difficult situation such as offering to talk to the abuse about her or let yourself be seen as a threat to their relationship.
The most important thing to remember is you are not alone and there is help available
Phone your local refuge for advice if you are uncertain about anything...they will offer practical, real ways to help her and support you while you are doing it.
Below is a list of ways to help you while you help her...
TELL HER ABOUT YOUR CONCERN - and dont be afraid to raise the topic if she doesn't LISTEN TO HER - Try to understand but not to blame. Tell her she is not alone and there are many women in the same situation ACKNOWLEDGE IT TAKES STRENGTH - to trust someone enough to talk to them about their abuse. Dont push her to talk if she doesn't want to ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SHE IS IN A FRIGHTENING SITUATION - SUPPORT HER AS A FRIEND - Allow her to make her own decisionsDONT TELL HER TO LEAVE the relationship if she isn't ready to do so. It is her decision TAKE HER TO THE DOCTOR'S if there has been any physical harmSUPPORT HER to report the assault to the Police if she wants to EDUCATE YOURSELF so you are able to provide information on organisations that offer help and support like women's refuge Tell her the 0800 REFUGE NUMBER PLAN SAFETY STRATEGIES support her to do this in her own way. Give her a copy of the Women's Refuge Safety Plan OFFER HER THE USE OF YOUR ADDRESS - and/or telephone number to leave information or messages. Offer to look after an 'emergency bag' for her if she wants this LOOK AFTER YOURSELF - it isn't easy to support someone through this difficult time. DO NOT put yourself into a difficult situation such as offering to talk to the abuse about her or let yourself be seen as a threat to their relationship.
