How can I help a friend / family member who is being abused?
Victims of domestic violence are frightened, confused, have lost perspective about and cannot deal with their situation. While you may beg, demand and give sound reasons for leaving the abuser, you are talking to someone who no longer has control over her/his life. The following may help, however. The victim below is referred to as female, since 80-90% of abuse victims are female: • Tell her to hang up, call 911 immediately and flee the location in any situation that is physically dangerous. • Suggest that she visit our website to learn more about abuse. She should click on the “Internet Safety” area so her partner will not know she is looking for help. • Have printed information available for her when she is ready to read it. It may not be safe for her to keep it at home. • Encourage her to go for counseling at a domestic violence agency and assure her that their services are confidential and usually free. • Stress the importance of her having a safety plan if her life and/or the live
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