Domestic violence is a serious problem across the United States and across the world. This issue is also very personal in nature, meaning it can be hard to know how to offer someone help for domestic violence. While you want to be supportive and helpful, you may fear saying or doing the wrong thing that may make the situation worse. Visit this website if you need help for domestic violence.

If you’ve found yourself facing a situation where you want to offer help for domestic violence to a friend or family member, consider the following suggestions:

Engage in Active Listening

Someone who has suffered domestic abuse may not want anything more than someone to listen. You don’t have to have answers or any meaningful solutions, but you can provide a sounding board for your loved one. When this person talks to you about their situation, actively listen to what is being said and process it internally. Show that you are listening by giving non-verbal feedback.

Don’t Compare Someone’s Experience

People often use comparison to try to offer encouragement. Statements like “this other person had it worse” may seem like they will minimize the severity of a loved one’s situation, but such statements can actually do a lot of harm.

Each individual’s domestic violence story is personal, and there is no way to compare two situations as they are all unique. Making a comparison may make you come across as minimizing the victim’s experience and can further make them feel misunderstood and alone.

Keep Information in Confidence

If you’re told personal, sensitive information about a loved one’s domestic violence situation, keep this information private and confidential. If you haven’t been given explicit permission to share information with others, keep your lips zipped.

Don’t Treat a Loved One Differently

Someone who is going through a domestic violence situation may already feel like they don’t belong, so try not to make things worse by treating the person differently. Domestic violence is a problem, but it does not define who a person is. Treat your friend or family member the same as always, but be prepared to listen when needed and to help when asked.

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