FAMILY VIOLENCE
I
am a friend: What can I do?
As the
friend of someone in an abusive situation, you may feel afraid,
frustrated, angry and/or helpless.
These feelings
are normal: Your friend is in a dangerous situation.
S/he may talk
with you about it but return to the abuser over and over again.
Anger toward the
abuser, police, courts and even the victim is not unusual given
the seriousness of the situation.
But there
are things you can do to make a difference.
* believe what the abused person tells you. Even if the abuser seems
nice; even if the abuser is also your friend
* keep what your friend tells you confidential
* encourage your friend to get help
* listen and do not judge your friend
* understand that leaving an abusive relationship is very difficult
* stay in touch with your friend
To read
strategies for helping persons in abusive relationships: (from
SafePlace in Austin) click here.
And remember,
you can always call and talk with a counselor to get further assistance
regarding your friend's particular situation or just if you need
to talk about your own feelings and concerns.
My family is experiencing violence
|
|
|
|
I would like to... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legal Services Links:
Travis
County Attorney's Office
Travis
County District Attorney's Office
Legal Aid of Central Texas
Women's
Advocacy Project
Social Services Links:
APD Victim
Services
TCSO Victim
Services
SafePlace: Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault Survival Center
Austin Child Guidance
Center
Additional Resources:
Domestic
Violence Hotlines and Resources
National Domestic Violence
Hotline
Violence Against Women
Office
Violence
Agaianst Men and Women
Family Violence Awareness
Page
Husband Battering
Child Abuse:
National Clearinghouse
on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
Prevent
Child Abuse America
National
Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Abuse
Yellow Pages
|