How You Can Help Victims of Domestic Violence in Your Community

It is an unfortunate fact that over 200 million womens and girls experience intimate partner violence in a typical year. These women and girls could be our sisters, mothers, friends, or co-workers. 19% of people know a friend or family member that has been the victim of domestic violence, and 17% of people know someone who has subjected another to some sort of domestic violence. If you think someone you know is being abused or is abusing someone else, it’s important to know what you can do to help. 

The best thing to do if you know a friend is being abused is to offer your support. Oftentimes victims of abuse will feel isolated or ashamed and will have trouble coming to people for help, so make sure you know the warning signs of abuse. If a friend confides in you, make sure to listen without judgment and check in with them regularly. Make sure they have a safe way to leave when they are ready, and keep gas in your car and your phone on you if they need help.

Even if you don’t know someone close to you that is a victim of domestic violence, you can help in many ways around your own community. Consider donating to shelters that help victims by donating money, food, clothing, or sanitary products. Spread awareness of domestic violence in your community and refuse to support any media or companies that glorify violence. 

It can be hard to tell if someone is a victim of domestic violence, so it is important to always be sensitive to these topics and make it known that you are a supporter of victims of domestic abuse. All it takes is one support person to change someone’s life. Learn more about what you can do to support victims of domestic violence in the infographic below: