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5 Ways to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence
1. Understand the issue
Did you know 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime? Partner abuse is shockingly common, yet it doesn't always get the attention it deserves.
Learning more about domestic violence is the first step to taking action. Here are a few places to start!
- Learn common facts. Domestic violence isn't just hitting your partner, and isn't limited to the home. It's much more complex.
- Know the warning signs. Abusive behavior spans a wide spectrum. Do you know all the relationship red flags?
- Understand the psychology of abuse. Abuse is ultimately about power and control. It helps to understand the common traits of abusers and how abuse affects victims.
- Listen to the stories of survivors.
2. Raise awareness
Once you understand the issues, SPEAK UP to raise awareness on domestic violence! There’s lots of ways to go about this. For example, you might:
- Strike up a discussion with a friend or family member
- Bring prevention training and awareness programs to your organization, church, school, or other community group
3. Donate to help organizations that support survivors
There are so many amazing organizations working to end domestic violence! Most are nonprofits, so they rely on caring people to support them with donations.
Shelters often need donated items like new clothes for adults and children, new underwear, food and bottled water, clean towels, personal hygiene items, and bedding. But not every organization accepts item donations, so make sure you call ahead or check on domesticshelters.org to find local shelters’ wish lists first.
4. Fundraise to help organizations that support survivors
Anybody can raise money. All it takes is the courage to ask! Peer-to-peer fundraising means reaching out to your friends, family, classmates, coworkers, mentors, coaches, teammates, neighbors, faith community—and asking them to pitch in to your campaign to help survivors of domestic violence.
Technology makes it easy to set up a home base for your fundraising efforts on Facebook or on a peer-to-peer tool like Classy. They even give you tips and reminders to make sure your fundraiser is a success.
A handful of small gifts can suddenly turn into hundreds of dollars, and that money makes a huge difference to organizations supporting victims.
5. Be a political advocate
Domestic violence is a public justice issue. What is your government doing to support survivors of violence?
Write, call, and tweet your elected officials to find out where they stand. Urge them to prioritize issues like:
- Renewing the Violence Against Women Act
- Expanding the definition of domestic violence to include non-physical abuse
- Providing government funding for hotlines, shelters, and counseling
- Supporting low-income housing, SNAP (food stamps), childcare vouchers, civil legal services, unemployment assistance, and other programs that survivors depend on to get a foothold
- Keeping guns out of the hands of known abusers
Ending Violence Against Women & Girls
Preparing Girls for Career Success