FAMILY VIOLENCE
I
am a friend: What can I do?
Strategies
for helping persons in abusive relationships: (from
SafePlace in Austin):
1.
When you see telltale signs of abuse, speak up. Express caring concern
"If you ever need to talk, I'm available."
2.
Let them know you understand that it's a tough thing to talk about
and that you are not embarrassed by the topic.
3.
Let them see and hear that you will not judge them, "I'm sure
you think that you have been doing what you think is best, but I
have to let you know I'm concerned by what I'm seeing..." or
"I know how confusing it can be when a loved one treats you
this way..."
4.
Do not try immediately to rescue them or to convince them to take
action (unless they are in imminent danger). Instead, support them
to begin to take back control of their life.
5.
Gently ask questions about how things are going at home and listen
attentively to the reply.
6.
Express clear
disapproval of their partner's abusive behavior, but to not cut
the partner down as a person. "{Your partner} is probably basically
a good person, but how s/he is treating you is wrong. In this area
s/he needs help."
7.
Use specific words to describe behaviors instead of "abuse,"
such as control, scare, intimidate, bully etc.
8.
Make (and repeat) clear statements about their rights and value
as a person. "You don't deserve to be treated that way. No
one has the right to treat you like that."
9.
If they have children, ask how they think the children are being
affected. Emphasize that children always suffer when living with
abuse, even if it's not directed at them.
10.
Tell them you are concerned for their safety (and the future of
their relationship) if things continue as they are. Ask, "What
do you think your life will be like in six months if things continue
as they are?"
11.
Write down and give them phone numbers of local resources such as
a battered women's shelter and a help line. Encourage them to talk
with someone they trust about this before it gets any worse.
12.
Do not give up on them. Do not be put off if you are rebuffed at
first. Continue to reach out. Remember, they are scared.
13.
Get support for yourself and your good efforts from friends and/or
staff of a battered women's shelter.
My family is experiencing violence
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I would like to |
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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
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