Help Someone You Know

Help Someone You Know Who Has Been Affected by Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking.

Reaching out to a friend or loved one whom you suspect is in an abusive relationship can be difficult and emotionally challenging. Here are some tips to help start the conversation. For more suggestions and support, please call our 24-hour hotline 1-603-994-SAFE (7233)

• Believe & listen to survivor–Fear of not being believed is a top barrier for survivors.
• Assure the survivor they’re not to blame.
• Avoid negative comments about perpetrator: 85% of the time they are someone known to the victim, and there might be mixed feelings. Forcing negative opinions can complicate things.
• As the secondary survivor, do not hesitate to call HAVEN to process these feelings at our 24-hour hotline 1-603-994-SAFE (7233).
• Offer practical support for the survivor if they reach out for help (childcare, transportation, offer to go with them to appointments).
• Respect their privacy: Unless it is a minor, it is solely the survivors choice to report to police.
• Don’t interrogate and Avoid making demands: Allow them to tell you their story on their own terms. Don’t pressure for more details; keep the door open and respect their process.
• Accept the survivor’s feelings/ choices and be patient– trauma is complicated for survivors to navigate and they need time to process

Some of the above information courtesy of nhcadsv.org.