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Ask questions. If you suspect domestic violence is occurring, ask how
the relationship is going. Ask about disagreements and tension that you
observe in the relationship. You can ask specific questions like, “Has
he ever pushed or shoved you?” or “Has he ever called you
or your children names?”
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Be aware of the effects of domestic violence. Domestic violence has
serious and dangerous physical and emotional effects on everyone living
in the household, including the children. Educate yourself on the effects
of domestic violence so that you can share them with the victim/survivor
in a non-judgmental way that lets her know that you are concerned. Information
can be a powerful tool in helping her recognize and mobilize herself against
future violence.
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Trust her knowledge. Victim/survivors are the “experts”
on their relationships and are typically aware of the patterns of violence
that occur in the relationship and the batterer’s behavior, so trust
her to gauge when she is safest. Respect her choices about when she can
or cannot take certain steps.
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Give her positive feedback. Physically abusive relationships are also
emotionally abusive, and all types of abuse lower the victim/survivor’s
self esteem. Some victims stay in the relationship because they believe
that they are to blame for the abuse or do not see the possibility of
a nonviolent relationship. She may also have fears of making it on her
own. Remind her of her strengths and abilities and her importance to you.
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Recognize her efforts. Realize that the victim/survivor is doing something
every day to try to improve her situation. Victim/survivors try many things
to stop the violence in their lives. These may include talking with the
abuser, calling the police, or contacting a mental health professional
or clergy member. Recognize that although you might like to see her make
different choices, she is trying to improve her situation. Change often
occurs in small steps that eventually lead to large gains.
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Do not criticize the batterer. Saying critical things about the batterer
also implies criticism of the victim/survivor as she may have chosen the
batterer as her partner. Also, one of the ways that many abusers isolate
their victims is by telling her that her friends and family don’t
like him and want to break up the relationship. Criticisms of the abuser
may convince her that he is telling the truth about this. Keep in mind
that she may also see his positive qualities and continue to love him,
despite the abuse. Criticizing the abuser can cause distance in your relationship
making her less likely to come to you for support.
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Don’t make choices for her. One aspect of abusive relationships
is that the batterer limits the victim’s ability to make choices.
Try not to repeat this behavior by giving her ultimatums or orders. Issuing
ultimatums or orders may lessen her ability to confide in you and get
your support.
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Learn about community resources. You may want to help yourself by contacting
a local shelter or domestic violence program to educate yourself about
domestic violence and learn more about community resources. Expand your
own support system so that you can share your feelings and frustrations
with others.
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Be patient and know your limits. A victim/survivor may try to leave
several times before she makes a final break, and this process can take
years. While it can be difficult to maintain your patience with her, remember
that leaving is a process that takes time. Develop personal boundaries
for yourself so that you can be supportive, but not overwhelmed by a victim/survivor’s
needs. Make sure to take time for yourself to engage in self-care and
get support.
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Encourage her to start a log or journal. This may help the victim/survivor
to realize the frequency, severity, and duration of the abuse she has
experienced and can be a helpful source of information later. You may
also want to keep a log that can include information about the violent
events or others who saw or heard the event, pictures, and information
about injuries to the victim or property.
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Encourage the victim/survivor to develop a safety plan. Safety plans
can help the victim/survivor to make important plans and decisions about
her safety. Safety plans may include the “what” and “how”
a victim/survivor will respond if violence is imminent. Safety planning
is an ongoing process that changes and evolves as she makes difficult
decisions about the relationship. Contact your local shelter to learn
more specific information about safety planning. Local shelter numbers
can be accessed by calling ODVN at 800-934-9840.
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Call the police. If you witness or hear a violent episode, DO NOT try
to intervene physically as this may result in injuries to you or others.
Call 911 immediately. When the police arrive, cooperate, ask to fill out
a statement, and prepare yourself to testify in court. Often the victim/survivor
cannot cooperate with the police or follow through to take necessary legal
steps due to her fear of the abuser.
