There are many ways to support a survivor, but it’s important not to be pushy when offering support.

Domestic violence is a terrible, but unfortunately common occurrence in the lives of many people. It’s not uncommon for victims of violence to feel hopeless and isolated. It can be hard for friends and family members to know how best to help someone who is going through domestic violence. If you’re reading this blog post, it’s likely that you know someone who has been affected by domestic violence and are looking for ways to help them out. The following five tips will give you an idea of how to best support your loved one during their time of need.

There are so many ways you could help. But, first, recognize that they have to be willing to help themselves first for a breakthrough to happen.

Here are some ways you can be supportive to a friend or family member experiencing domestic violence.

Listen to them patiently without judgment and provide emotional support. This means talking with them about their fears, thoughts, feelings, concerns, questions, and believing them. Do not interrupt or force your own opinions on them. If you push your decision on them it might backfire and there is a risk of them shutting and stopping from speaking to you openly in the future. Instead, ask them how you can help. If they want your advice or opinion on what they should do next, then offer it but only after asking if it’s something they want.

Be patient and keep constant communication. You can share resources on credible helplines and hotlines, violence support organizations, online counseling, safe spaces, legal and medical support, and safety tips. But do not be pushy.

Encourage them to build a support network of trusted family and friends. This will help them to get the support and protection they might need.

Help them make a safety plan. This will keep them and any children, physically, psychologically, and emotionally safe. This could also include coining a word, phrase, or signal that they could use to alert you and other trusted friends that they need help. Safety planning is critical in the fight against violence.

Walk patiently with them and offer support where you can till they make their own resolution which they are comfortable with. This is the only way a decision becomes sustainable and feels right.

What Not to Do

There is no perfect way to help a victim of domestic violence, but you might have to be careful not to do something that may worsen the situation. Here are some “don’ts” to avoid:

Don’t…

• Pressure the victim to take the action you suggest.
• Blame the victim.
• Bash the abuser. Focus on the behavior, not the personality.
• Underestimate the potential danger for the victim and yourself.
• Promise any help that you can’t follow through with.
• Give conditional support.
• Do anything that might provoke the abuser.
• Give up. If they are not willing to open up at first, be patient.
• Do anything to make it more difficult for the victim.

However, in an actively violent situation, calling the police or other protection services is not the problem but part of the solution. Check out resources here.

Domestic violence remains an issue that could greatly affect later generations if we don’t join forces starting from boys, men, girls, women, family, and society at large. It is not a good thing. Each one of us has a responsibility to spot and stop it. #spotitstopit

Do you know someone who is going through domestic violence?

Share with them the National Hotline in their country for help.

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