How to Help With Domestic Violence
- 1). The National Domestic Violence Hotline encourages friends of domestic violence victims to recognize the signs of violence and offer emotional support to victims. Tell a friend that she doesn't deserve to be abused and that she has your continued love and support. Loved ones can also offer a safe haven for victims, as having no other place to go is a common reason why victims stay with their abusers. The hotline warns against judging victims to avoid adding strain and propensity to return to the abusive relationship.
- 2). If you witness domestic violence, report it to your local police department. Many victims are unwilling to report domestic violence because of the fear of public humiliation and further instances of abuse. In these situations, witnesses should come forward to give voice to victims too terrified to speak. Not reporting domestic violence endangers not only victims but also the people around them, including victims' children. While children may not experience the abuse first-hand, the psychological effects of witnessing domestic violence can have devastating consequences. The Family Violence Prevention Fund reports that up to 73 percent of domestic violence victims do not report abuse, fearing Child Protective Services' interference.
- 3). Get involved with local and national domestic violence organizations. Helping a victim could be as easy as volunteering at a women's shelter or as involved as raising awareness, money and efforts to change domestic violence laws for victims. Donate clothes, household items, cars and phones, or collect donations from friends and family; these items can give victims the means to leave an abusive relationship. Contact local non-profit domestic violence organizations to see if they're looking for volunteers, or make contacts through your community that could help with your cause. Any bit of help counts; what may be a small sacrifice to you could be the difference between a domestic violence victim's life and death.
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