You may feel confused about how to assist someone best if you know or have reason to believe that they are a victim of domestic abuse.
Refrain from letting your fear of saying the incorrect thing keep you from reaching out. You can miss the chance to save a life if you wait for the ideal words. For many victims of domestic violence, the world can be isolating, fear-filled, and lonely.
It can be quite relieving to occasionally reach out and let someone know you are there for them. You can support someone in this sensitive situation using the following nine suggestions.
Table of Contents
1. Engage in Conversation
You can bring up the issue of domestic violence by saying, “I’m worried about you because…,” “I’m concerned for your safety,” or “I have seen some changes that concern me.” You may have seen the person hiding bruises with clothing or that they have suddenly adopted a distant and silent attitude.
Both could be indicators of abuse. Inform them that you will be careful with any information you share. Instead than trying to force the other person to open up, let the conversation progress at a comfortable pace.
2. Listen Objectively
If the individual does want to speak, pay attention to what they have to say without passing judgment, giving suggestions, or making suggestions for improvement. If you pay attention, the person will tell you exactly what they need.
You can elicit more information by asking clarifying questions, but generally, let the person express their emotions and anxieties. The victim might have confided in you for the first time.
3. Make The Victim’s Feelings Accepted
It is common for victims to express conflicting emotions toward their partner and their circumstance. These thoughts may include:
- Wrath and guilt
- Anxiety and hope
- Fear and love
She needs to know that experiencing these contradictory sentiments is normal if you genuinely want to assist her.
Remind the victim that toxic relationships do involve violence or abuse. Due to the lack of other relationship models and their eventual acclimation to the cycle of violence, some victims might not be aware that their conditions are abnormal.
Tell them that you are worried about their safety and that you see that their circumstance is risky without passing judgment.
4. Help Create a Safety Plan
Making a plan might help them visualize the required steps and mentally and emotionally prepare to take them. Assist the victim in considering each step of the safety plan, balancing the advantages and disadvantages of each decision, as well as potential risk reduction measures.
Include the following in the safety plan, if possible:
- A secure location to go in case of emergency or if they choose to leave the house
- A solid reason to leave if they feel threatened
- A phrase used to signal to loved ones or friends that help is needed
- An “escape bag” that can be quickly retrieved in a crisis and contains money, vital documents (birth certificates, social security cards, etc.), keys, toiletries, and a change of clothes