More Tips

• Don’t blame. The survivor is not at fault for the violence. it is NEVER ok for one person to use force against another. AVOID questions that may sound like blaming, such as “Why don’t you leave?”

• Don’t participate in the denial. Violence does not change on it’s own; it often escalates. It does not simply “get better”. Remember: Battering is against the law. Hitting your partner is a crime!!

• Don’t ignore the danger. Is there a gun in the house? Are these children in danger? Abuse escalates.

• Don’t focus on leaving if this does not seem like a SAFE OPTION! Help find other ways to be safe. Encourage developing a safety plan.

• Don’t try to SOLVE THE PROBLEM for the survivor. Trust they will find their own solutions with help and lots of support.

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