Want to help? Here are some things you should know?

What Can You Say to a Victim?
· "I'm afraid for your safety."
· "I'm afraid for the safety of your children."
· "It will only get worse."
· Comforting words. ("I'm thinking of you, I love you.")
· "We're here for you when you are ready or when you are able to leave."
· "You deserve better than this."
· "Let's figure out a safety plan for you."

Adapted from: Sarah Buel, Esq., in "Courts and Communities: Confronting Violence in the Family," Conference Highlights, National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, 1994.

What Can Each of Us Do?
· Understand cycle of violence.
· Do not tell them to leave without having a safety plan.
· Call the police if you see or hear evidence of domestic violence.
· Speak out publicly against domestic violence.
· Take action personally against domestic violence when a neighbor, a co-worker, a friend, or a family member is involved or being abused.
· Encourage your neighborhood watch or block association to become as concerned with watching out for domestic violence as with burglaries and other crimes.
· Reach to support someone whom you believe is a victim of domestic violence and/or talk with a person you believe is being abusive. (Never give up on the victim, as it could be years before they leave.)
· Help others become informed, by inviting speakers to your church, professional organizations, civic group, or workplace.
· Support domestic violence counseling programs and shelters.
· Know the National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1- 800-799-SAFE (7233)

Adapted from: "Preventing Domestic Violence" by Laura Crites in Prevention Communique, March 1992, Crime Prevention Division, Department of the Attorney General, Hawaii

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