How You Can Help

Help A Loved One

Many victims of domestic violence often feel embarassed, ashamed, or even guilty about the abuse; unfortunately, because of these feelings, many women are afraid or hesitant to tell someone or seek help. If you suspect or know that a loved one is being abused, you should encourage them to get professional help and/or you should seek help on their behalf. Additionally, you can offer personal encouragement and support by:

1. Keep telling her, "It's not your fault."
   Never blame your friend. Don't let her blame herself. Domestic violence is never the victims fault.
2. Tell her that her survival is all that really matters.
   It will be reassuring to her to hear that what is most important is that she is alive and got through the experience as best she could. Questions like why did you go there alone are blaming not reassuring.
3. Tell her that you believe she was abused.
   If you communicate that you believe her, you will be helping your friend a great deal. If she says she was abused then that's enough even if she didn't leave the first time it happened.
4. Tell her you will support her by listening to her.
   Be supportive by listening not judging. Be supportive by listening not prying. Let her take her time to share the details. Let her share only what she is able to.
5. Ask her what she needs from you instead of telling her how to handle herself.
   Let her be in control of who knows about the assault and how she manages her life. This will help her feel she is regaining the control she lost by being victimized.
6. Tell her it's O.K. to talk about her feelings as long as she needs.
   It's normal to feel angry, afraid, anxious, and depressed. If her feelings intensify and seem to continue to overwhelm her and she is not getting help, support her in getting help.

Take Action Against Domestic Violence

• Donate
  Looking For My Sister is able to make positive changes in our communities and to work towards putting an end to domestic violence through charitable donations by people like you. Your tax-deductible contribution will be used to support our programs that assist victims and survivors of domestic violence. Donate today.
• Volunteer
  You can help champion the cause against domestic violence. Give an hour. Give a Saturday. Give your best. We all have special talents and things we can do to help. Looking For My Sister's volunteers participate in a wide range of activities and events. They may provide support behind the scenes or directly with victims and survivors of domestic violence. Plus, we promote from within and consider volunteers for full-time or part-time employment. Sign Up to Volunteer