I'm so glad you came here to read on how you can help abused women. You may think that because this issue is so large and there are so many abused women, how could you help? Well, you can help so many different ways. Don't be afraid to offer help.

Here is a List of Things to Do if you know someone is being abused


1) Approach her in an understanding, non-blaming way. Tell her that she is not alone, that there are many women like her in the same kind of situation, and that it takes strength to survive and trust someone enough to talk about battering.

2) Acknowledge that is it scary and difficult to talk about domestic violence. Tell her she doesn't deserve to be threatened, hit or beaten. Nothing she can do or say makes the abuser's violence OK.

3) Share information. Show her the Cycle of Abuse Chart and the behaviors of abusers. Discuss the dynamics of violence and how abuse is based on power and control.

4) Support her as a friend. Be a good listener. Encourage her to express her hurt and anger. Allow her to make her own decisions, even if it means she isn't ready to leave the abusive relationship.

5) Ask if she has suffered physical harm. Go with her to the hospital to check for injuries. Help her report the assault to the police, if she chooses to do so.

6) Plan safe strategies for leaving an abusive relationship. These are often called "safety plans." Never encourage someone to follow a safety plan that she believes will put her at further risk.
From "Domestic Violence: The Facts" - A Handbook to STOP violence (courtesy of Peace At Home (formerly Battered Women Fighting Back)

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