
	Home About Intimate Partner Violence About Sexual Assault Services and Programs How You Can Help & Safety Tips Teens Our Resale Store A Second Season How to Donate And Our Wish List Volunteer Opportunities Helpful Links General Information	How to Help a Friend Listen. Believe. Validate their feelings. Don't judge their decisions. Know that your friend may not leave an abusive situation just because you want them to. Don't put yourself in danger. Tell your friend that you are worried and afraid for his/her safety. Call your local domestic violence / sexual assault agency. Safety Tips Be aware of your surroundings. Don't walk alone at night. Lock your car doors - at home and in your car. Be careful whom you allow in your home. If you live alone - don't put your first name on mailbox or in phone book; use initials. If your car breaks down, wait for police; don't walk alone, especially at night. Refuse to give personal information over the phone. Park in lighted areas - check back seats and under your car before getting in. Carry a whistle. Walk in the middle of sidewalk. If you think you are being followed, cross the street, go to the nearest house or business and don't be afraid to make a noise. Dating/Social Know the people you date. If you don't know the person: --meet for lunch --go out with a group of friends --offer to meet the person at a designated location --if you feel uncomfortable - leave --don't invite the person into your home --don't accept drinks from people you don't know Joining the Effort To stop domestic violence we all need to work together. The following are some things that you can do to help: Support your local domestic violence program . Most hotlines, advocacy or shelter organizations could benefit from your time, financial support or other donations. Speak up about abuse. Let abusers know their behavior is wrong and encourage them to get help. If you see abuse, call the police - doing nothing can make the abuse worse and even deadly. Educate yourself and others . Call your local domestic violence program to schedule informational workshops for your workplace, community group or church. Encourage schools to include abuse prevention as part of their curriculum. Set an example. Make a commitment to work for equality and ending violence in all of its forms. Model non-violent and respectful behavior through your everyday actions.

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How to Help a Friend

Listen.
Believe.
Validate their feelings.
Don't judge their decisions.
Know that your friend may not leave an abusive situation just because you want them to.
Don't put yourself in danger.
Tell your friend that you are worried and afraid for his/her safety.
Call your local domestic violence / sexual assault agency.

Safety Tips

Be aware of your surroundings.
Don't walk alone at night.
Lock your car doors - at home and in your car.
Be careful whom you allow in your home.
If you live alone - don't put your first name on mailbox or in phone book; use initials.
If your car breaks down, wait for police; don't walk alone, especially at night.
Refuse to give personal information over the phone.
Park in lighted areas - check back seats and under your car before getting in.
Carry a whistle.
Walk in the middle of sidewalk. If you think you are being followed, cross the street, go to the nearest house or business and don't be afraid to make a noise.

Dating/Social

Know the people you date. If you don't know the person:

--meet for lunch

--go out with a group of friends

--offer to meet the person at a designated location

--if you feel uncomfortable - leave

--don't invite the person into your home

--don't accept drinks from people you don't know

Joining the Effort

To stop domestic violence we all need to work together. The following are some things that you can do to help:

Support your local domestic violence program . Most hotlines, advocacy or shelter organizations could benefit from your time, financial support or other donations.

Speak up about abuse. Let abusers know their behavior is wrong and encourage them to get help. If you see abuse, call the police - doing nothing can make the abuse worse and even deadly.

Educate yourself and others . Call your local domestic violence program to schedule informational workshops for your workplace, community group or church. Encourage schools to include abuse prevention as part of their curriculum.

Set an example. Make a commitment to work for equality and ending violence in all of its forms. Model non-violent and respectful behavior through your everyday actions.