THINK ABOUT RELATIONSHIP ABUSE AS A MAJOR SOCIAL PROBLEM that touches the lives of men and women of all social, economic and racial backgrounds. Focus on the ways in which you, as an empowered bystander, can support at-risk individuals and confront abusers. Below you can read about specific ways to better educate yourself and others.
FOR WOMEN
If you are being emotionally, psychologically or physically abused in an intimate relationship, or have been in the past, seek professional help NOW. If you suspect that your family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor is being abused, let them know you're there to support them. Download and read A Women’s Handbook which helps to start these conversations.
Familiarize yourself with the resources in your community including counseling centers and health service organizations. Be a positive resource by sharing information and making appropriate referrals.
Visit www.NNEDV.org/resources (National Network to End Domestic Violence) to locate your state or territory Domestic Violence Coalition.
Support women and men who are working to end relationship abuse. Get involved with a local domestic violence organization. If you belong to a community group, organize a fundraiser to benefit battered women's shelters and rape crisis centers.
HELP TO EDUCATION AND EMPOWER girls and boys not to tolerate abuse or sexism. Get involved with youth outreach and mentoring programs in local high schools and middle schools. One way to get started is to download and share the Teen Handbook.
FOR MEN
Approach relationship abuse as a men's issue involving men of all social, economic and racial backgrounds. Recognize men not only as perpetrators or potential offenders, but as bystanders who can confront abusive males, as well as potential victims. A Call to Men, whose vision is to shift social norms that define manhood in our culture, offers 10 things men can do to prevent domestic and sexual violence.
If you are a father, coach, teacher, uncle, older brother or mentor, you can play a crucial role in guiding the boys in your life into manhood and into positive relationships as they grow older—by teaching them about respect, showing them how to deal with conflict, and setting an example of how to build healthy relationships. The handbook Tough Talk—What Boys Need to Know About Relationship Abuse includes a clear definition of relationship abuse, as well as practical guidelines and suggested questions for men to formulate a dialogue. By starting a conversation about relationship abuse, your actions demonstrate that this is an issue that can be discussed thoughtfully and openly.
If you are aware of someone abusing their partner, don't look the other way! Urge them to seek help or, if you don't know what to do, consult a friend, family member, community leader or the police. In addition, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is an anonymous and confidential, 24/7 resource provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families - to contact the Hotline call 1-800-799-SAFE or visit www.theHotline.org.
SPEAK OUT! If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, gently ask if you can help.
While many victims of relationship abuse are female, boys can be emotionally or physically abused as well. Boys can be abused by their girlfriends, and they can also be abused by another boy if they are in a same-sex relationship. Either way, let them know that the abuse is not their fault, and that they have nothing to feel ashamed of. Encourage them to seek help.
BE AN ALLY TO ANYONE WHO IS WORKING TO END ALL FORMS OF RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE.
Support women's organizations. If you belong to a community group, organize a fundraiser to benefit a local service organization (i.e. a battered women's shelter or rape crisis center).
