Let the
person express how they feel, but do not pry for details.
Don’t
be judgmental or ask why they didn’t confide in you sooner.
Reassure
the person that whatever happened was not his or her fault.
Let the
victim make personal decisions about responding to the assault.
Help
the person secure a safe place to stay.
Refer
the person to community resources such as the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse
Program.
Provide
them with a Crisis Line telephone number.
National - 1-800-799-SAFE, West Virginia 1-800-681-8663, Charleston
YWCA RFAP 304-349-3549
Send
Important Messages
Help is available.
She is not to blame for the abuser’s
actions.
You are concerned for her safety.
Options exist
Avoid
Make comments such as, “If anyone ever
put his hands on me, I wouldn’t put up with it.”
Telling her she should leave. Only
she understands the obstacles to her leaving.
Telling her she should do
anything. Her autonomy is important. She is living with
someone now who tells her what to do, and even though you may wants
what’s best for her, in her mind you will simply become another person
trying to tell her what to do.
Obstacles to leaving
The children – She may be afraid of
losing them.
Housing
Finances
Fear – Leaving triggers escalated
violence.
Religious beliefs
Relationship with the abuser
Let her know that help is available.
Here are the numbers for services offered in Charleston, West Virginia,
by the YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program.
Short-term safe housing – 340-3549
24-hour Crisis Hotline – 340-3549,
1-800-681-8663
Case Management & Advocacy (Safety
Plan) 340-3549
Court Advocacy – 610-1575
Counseling and support groups –
342-6552, 342-6228
Monitored visitation center and exchange
– 610-9118
Parenting Program & Children’s
Program
Batterers’ Intervention Program
& EVE–395-3479
If unable to reach any of the above –
340-3573
For
resources to promote awareness through your community organization,
check outFamily Violence Prevention Fund
at www.endabuse.org. 415-252-8089.
All of their resources are absolutely free.
