What You Can Do to Help a Domestic Violence Victim

If your friend or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, the best thing you can do is to stay by her side. Do not leave her alone. Do not make her feel unwanted. Check out this list of things that you can do to help your friend or family member, or anyone who is a domestic violence victim.

First things first; find time to talk to your friend.

Schedule a day for the two of you to sit down and talk. Honestly talk. Choose a place where you can have utmost privacy. Also, if you want to bring someone along, ask your friend’s approval first. Domestic violence victims are extra sensitive.

Be honest and tell your friend how you feel.

Let your friend know that you are worried about her because you care for her. Give her a clear picture of her situation, but do this gently. Choose your words carefully. Of course, do not forget to tell her you want to help in any way that you can. If you can, specify what help you are willing to give her (aside from being a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen).

Be an open ear. Listen well.

Be the ear your friend has long been looking for. Listen to her closely. Listen to her and do not butt in while she is talking. Listen deeply to everything she is telling you. Doing this will help you understand better how she feels and what she is going through.

Plan with her.

Help your friend come up with a plan that she can execute before the next attack happens. Some of the things that need to be done include packing her things, preparing the children, and looking for a place to go to (one that the abuser won’t easily find).

Start a hobby or sport with her.

If your friend is not yet prepared to move out, you can help keep her stable and safe by taking up a hobby or a sport with her. You can play video games or take up coloring. You can play badminton or learn how to play chess. Doing something with her will give her a feeling of being wanted.