Victims of domestic violence experience a range of emotions. It takes incredible courage and strength to come forward and talk about what they are experiencing. We acknowledge their bravery. We thank them. And you should, too. November is Family Violence Prevention Month, and we will be sharing tips for how you can support your friends and loved ones...
Pro Tip, your conversation will not go like this, “Hey, are you being hurt at home?”, “Sure am, I’ll go get my things and move out.”, “Cool.”, “I know, right!” For many reasons, ending domestic violence takes time. Your job as a caring support is to acknowledge the reasons why someone may stay in a dangerous...
While your instinct may be to blurt out, “What an _____!”, it is best to keep opinions and commentary to yourself when you are talking with a person who is a victim of domestic violence. Focus on the behaviour, and not the perpetrator. “It is not normal, and it’s not right, that you are being hurt...
Domestic violence perpetrators exert control over their victims, and any suggestion that your support or help is contingent on the person doing something that you decide risks you making person feel the same way the perpetrator does. In this relationship, in these moments, you have one job – to love and support this person. You cannot...
We enter relationships with love, hope, and excitement for the future. But when things don’t go as we hoped, we often feel a mix of emotions. It is normal for people who are victims of domestic violence to feel conflicted about their partner and their situation. They may feel guilt and anger, or hope and despair,...
Family Violence Prevention Month: How To Help #5: Believe them. A person who is the victim of domestic violence is often the only one who sees the dark side of the perpetrator. It is normal for others to be shocked that someone they know has committed violent acts. Because domestic violence is more about control than anger,...
Family Violence: How To Help #4: Learn the warning signs. It is normal and natural for people who are the victims of violence to try to cover their physical and emotional injuries. Understanding the signs of domestic violence will help you to help people who are experiencing domestic violence. Physical signs: Bruises, scratches, and other marks –...
Family Violence: How To Help #3: Listen without judgment. If someone chooses to talk with you about domestic violence, listen to them. Listen without judging their story, without comparing it to others, without offering advice, and without suggesting solutions. If you actively listen, chances are that the person will tell you exactly what they need. In...
Family Violence Prevention Month: How To Help #2: Start a conversation. It may feel scary or uncomfortable to bring up domestic violence with someone you know, but you feel compelled to talk with them because you care about them and you are concerned for them. If you are thinking of starting a conversation about domestic violence, remember...
Family Violence Prevention Month: How To Help #1: Make time for them. You may not be able to go out and have a coffee because of COVID, safety, or other concerns - but you can surely make time to have a conversation and show that you care and that you are there. If you know or...
