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Across the United States October is designated as Domestic Violence awareness month. Domestic Violence is a serious problem that affects millions of people every year. Many people that you may be victims and or survivors. As October has 31 days we thought it was appropriate to share 31 ways that you can be an agent of change:
Acknowledge that domestic violence is a problem.
Believe survivors when they come forward.
Don't judge survivors for staying in or returning to abusive relationships.
Provide support and resources to those affected by domestic violence.
Educate yourself and others about the issue of domestic violence.
Talk about domestic violence with friends, family, and community members.
Stand up against sexist, homophobic, and other forms of discrimination that can contribute to an environment where domestic violence is tolerated or even condoned.
Speak out against attitudes and behaviors that condone or excuse domestic violence.
Challenge anyone who tries to downplay or dismiss the seriousness of domestic violence.
Help create safe environments for domestic violence victims and survivors.
Be a supportive friend to someone who is experiencing domestic violence.
Check-in with loved ones regularly to see how they're doing and offer assistance if needed.
Offer to help with childcare, transportation, or other practical needs.
Provide emotional support and listen without judgment.
Encourage the person to seek professional help if they feel ready to do so.
Respect the person's decisions and boundaries, even if you don't agree with them.
Avoid making assumptions or giving unsolicited advice.
Believe the person when they disclose abuse, even if you find it hard to believe.
Reassure the person that they are not responsible for the abuse and that it is not their fault.
Offer practical help and resources, such as information about local shelters or hotlines.
Help the person create a safety plan if they are in an abusive relationship and are planning to leave.
If the person is leaving an abusive relationship, offer to help them with logistics, such as finding a place to stay or packing up their belongings.
Respect the person's privacy and confidentiality if they have chosen to share information about the abuse with you.
Be patient and understanding if the person wants to talk about the abuse but isn't ready to do so yet.
Support the person's right to make their own decisions, even if you don't agree with them.
Avoid pressuring the person to take any particular course of action.
Respect the person's cultural beliefs and values.
Seek out culturally competent resources and professionals if you are working with someone from a different cultural background than your own.
Acknowledge that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with domestic violence, and be open to learning new things.
Be willing to change your own attitudes and behaviors if they contribute to an environment where domestic violence is tolerated.
Help create a world where domestic violence is no longer tolerated or accepted.