Each year millions of women are physically, mentally, and sexually abused by their partner. With that statistic in mind, chances are you know someone who is being abused. Perhaps that someone is a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor. How is it that you can help? The information to follow on this site will provide that answer.
1. Possible Indicators That Someone You Know Is Being Abused
 | Fingertip bruises |
| Wearing heavy makeup |
| Slow movement as if very sore |
| Always rushing home from work |
| Always needing "permission" from partner before engaging in an activity |
| Extreme worry/concern regarding a partner's reaction |
| Bruises that don't seem congruent with explanation, e.g.- a black eye said to be caused by running into a door |
| Wearing long-sleeved shirts, especially in the summer |
| Partner calling or visiting numerous times a day |
| Unexplained absences from a reliable worker |
| Public humiliation by partner |
2. Possible Ways To Help Someone Who Is Being Abused
1. Educate yourself on the issue of
domestic violence
- domestic
violence is a serious crime, not a private family matter
- there is no
typical abuser or victim of abuse
- call a
local women's shelter for more information
2. Find a way to mention domestic violence
to her
- listen if
she's willing to talk
- share what
you know about the issue
3. Offer support
- do not
victim-blame or minimize the abuse
- state that
no one deserves to be abused or beaten
- offer
encouragement and point out strengths
4. Don't Give Up
- leaving an
abusive partner is not as easy as packing and walking
out the door. In the first place, leaving a
batterer is dangerous, many women have to flee in fear of their lives. Other
factors are involved as well when a women remains in a violent situation.
It is important to keep your own self-agenda out of the way when offering support to another individual. We each must have the right to make our own decisions based on what we feel is right or best at the time for ourselves. Keeping our "self agenda" out of the picture isn't easy, but it's a must.