FRIENDS AND FAMILY

As a friend or family member of an abused woman, you might not know how to help. This page will help you to help her to the best of your ability.

What can I do to help my friend/sister/mother/aunt, etc. who is being abused

• Encourage her to contact Women’s Place of South Niagara (or her local shelter if she’s not in our area), where experienced, empathetic counselors will provide confidential information and advice and help her to develop a safety plan.
  
• Let her know you are there to help. Listen to her without being critical or judgmental.
  
• Assure her that she’s not to blame for the abuse and that she’s not alone.
  
• Help her provide for any immediate medical and personal needs and make sure that she and her children are safe.
• Gather and pass on information about relevant community programs and assistance: shelters, sexual assault centres, legal aid, financial assistance, etc.
  
• Offer to play a role in her safety plan; this might involve providing emergency shelter and/or transportation; and safeguarding pre-packed luggage, documents and/or money that would be required in an emergency.
  
• Give her time to make her own decisions and respect her confidentiality.

You can also click here for advice from www.shelternet.ca

Keep in mind it isn’t always easy to know what is going on behind the scenes, to understand what your loved one is going through or to respond optimally in specific situations. Here are additional questions you may have and answers that may help:

What are the warning signs of abuse?

How can I understand her perspective?

What should I say?

What 10 things does a woman need?

What should I be aware of in relation to her children?

What is my role in helping to protect her children?