What do I do if someone I know is in an abusive relationship?
Listen and be supportive. Stay away from judgmental comments (i.e. "Why don't you just leave").
Learn more about domestic violence and offer helpful information such as hotline numbers for local DV agencies.
Keep any information that is shared with you confidential so you estabish a network of trust.
Call the police in case of an emergency or if you witness or hear any abuse... this may save her life!
Offer to safekeep important documents in case of an emergency (i.e. birth certificates, social security cards, etc.).
Keep a record of all your interactions; this may eventually be helpful in court (i.e. dates, what happened, who was involved, etc.).
Listen and be supportive. Believe your friend is telling the truth. This is perhaps the most important thing you can do for a victim of domestic violence.
Call a domestic violence advocate for information, support, referrals, or advice.
