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 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Our Domestic Abuse Program works with both the abusers of domestic violence and the victims of this crime. In honor of the victims who have suffered from domestic violence, we put forth this information to help our readers understand better how to help a friend or family member who may be in an abusive relationship.

Steps to take to help a friend or family member living in violence

  • Tell them you are concerned for their safety.
  • Acknowledge how scary the situation is.
  • Always be supportive of their feelings.
  • Do not judge their decision to stay or leave.
  • Do not allow them to become isolated by their abuser.
  • Encourage them to talk with professionals at a crisis center for battered women or local battered women’s shelter.
  • Encourage them to have a safety plan.
  • Never say mean things about their partner; they will only defend them and feel they have to stay in the relationship.
  • Do not feel you have to rescue them; allow them to find their way out of the situation, if that is what they want.

If someone you know is in a violent situation, be supportive, validate their feelings, and give them the number to the Minnesota Toll-Free Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1-866-223-1111.

 
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