Domestic Violence-Family Abuse

Humanity is a river of light
running from the ex-eternity to eternity

Khalil Gibran

ONLINE RESOURCES:

BUSINESSES

Educate yourself and your co-workers. Invite someone from your local Domestic Violence Program to speak at a staff meeting or brown bag lunch.
Find out if your workplace has a domestic violence policy and what resources are offered.
Speak up when others make jokes or comments that belittle women, trivialize violence, or perpetuate myths about domestic violence.
Make hotline numbers available. Put posters on walls, stickers in bathrooms, and brochu4res in communal areas.
If an employee or co-worker discloses abuse, believer her. Listen without judging. Offer support. Help her to make a plan to stay as safe as possible, whether she leaves the relationship or not.

COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS

If you are concerned about peace, freedom and justice, don't ignore domestic violence. Violence against women is linked to other oppressions in our society and impacts all people across gender, race, class, sexual orientation, age, ability, and other lines of difference.
Learn more about domestic violence and how it affects the communities you care about. Build an alliance with your local Domestic Violence Program and explore possibilities for working together.

EDUCATORS

Learn the signs that children or teenagers have been exposed to domestic violence. These can include emotional and behavioral disturbances such as withdrawal, low self-esteem, nightmares, self-blame, and aggression against peers, family members, and property.
Know the resources available in your community, including your local Domestic Violence Program.
Be approachable. Remind students that domestic violence is not okay and it's never the child's fault. Tell them you're there to listen.
As a mandated reporter, report any signs of child abuse to your local child abuse hotline or local child protective services.

FAITH COMMUNITIES

Acknowledge that domestic violence exists in your community and congregation. Distribute brochures in the restrooms. Bring in speakers. Victims will not come forward unless they know that your faith community cares and wants to help.
Honor and listen to the women in your congregation. On Mother's Day hold a moment of silence for children who are motherless because of domestic violence.
Talk about domestic violence openly in services and religious education.
Encourage your congregation to support Domestic Violence Programs by making donations or volunteering.
Be prepared to support anyone who discloses abuse. Refer victims to your local Domestic Violence Program or Hotline.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Call the police if you hear or see abuse in progress.
Model respectful, non-violent behavior in your personal relationships. Never use violence or humiliation to control another person.
Speak up when others belittle women, makes jokes about domestic violence, or spread stereotypes about abuse.
Educate yourself about domestic violence. Be aware that 3 out of 4 victims turn to family members or friends before contacting a Domestic Violence Program.
If you are having a birthday, anniversary or other celebration that traditionally requires gifts, ask loved ones to make a contribution to your local Domestic Violence Program instead.

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Educate yourself about domestic violence and about local services and hotlines.
Create a supportive environment by hanging domestic violence posters, educating your co-workers, and making resources readily available.
Screen all patients for domestic violence. Talk to patients alone and ask simple, direct questions.
When patients reveal that they have experienced violence, document your findings carefully, assess for victim safety and make appropriate referrals.
Plan an event to recognize "Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day" in October. Work with your local Domestic Violence Program.

KIDS AND TEENS

Treat everyone fairly, with kindness.
When you are angry with a friend, sister, brother, or parent, don't try to hurt them or put them down. Solve problems without yelling or hitting.
Ask and learn about domestic violence. Give a presentation in school.
If there is violence in your home or your relationship, you deserve to get help. Talk to teachers, guidance counselors or other trusted adults. Keep telling until someone helps you.

LEGISLATORS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS

Know the facts. Domestic violence is a serious problem. Become familiar with the statistics in your state.
Support increased funding for Domestic Violence Programs.
Arrange a visit to the Domestic Violence Program (s) in your district.
Add the issue of domestic violence to your platform.
Support laws that protect victims. Seek feedback from domestic violence survivors and advocates before taking a position on any legislation related to divorce, custody, housing, guns, or other issues that are important for domestic violence victims.

MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS

Ask the right questions and go beyond the stereotypes.
When covering domestic violence murder, ask "What was the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim?" Domestic violence is a widespread social problem and murder is only its most extreme manifestation.
When interviewing political candidates, ask them how they plan to address the crime of domestic violence.
When interviewing survivors, ask questions that will help the public understand domestic violence. Word your questions so they are not judgmental. For example, ask "What made it hard for you to leave?" rather than "Why did you stay?"
Seek the expertise of domestic violence advocates.

MEN

Understand that violence is not just physical but can also be emotional, verbal, or spiritual. Make violence unacceptable in your life! Seek help to change your behavior if you have ever used violence in a relationship.
Teach boys to value equality in their relationships. Don't just tell them not to hit. Show them that everyone deserves respect.
Challenge gender stereotypes. Show boys that it's okay to express their emotions and be gentle. Give girls the freedom to run, yell, and be strong.
Listen to women and believe them.
Donate to or volunteer for your local Domestic Violence Program.

SALON PROFESSIONALS

Take domestic violence seriously and notice the signs of abuse. If you are concerned about a client, listen and offer support.
Maintain confidentiality. Your client's safety may depend on you being discreet.
Distribute or make available hotline numbers and information about domestic violence.
Learn more about domestic violence and local resources. Your local Domestic Violence Program would be happy to help you.

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