HOW YOU CAN HELP
Parents, siblings, friends, co-workers, and neighbors are often scared and sometimes feel powerless when they suspect that someone they know and care about is being abused by their partner. VPC offers a “How to Help Workshop” for friends and family members of domestic violence victims. This workshop highlights how to best support victims, encourage their safe choices and identify “red flags” of potentially lethal situations. Participants will learn about the “Ten Things to Do or Say” and the “Five Things to Never Do or Say” when talking to a victim of domestic violence. This workshop also discusses the “Do and Don’t” list for engaging a perpetrator. If you would like more information on this workshop call the VPC and speak to one of our adult counselors. All participants must register to attend.
If you suspect that a friend or family member is being abused by their partner, talking to them about it can be difficult. The most important thing you can do is to let them know that they have support and that there are options. Although it is hard to see someone you care about being hurt ultimately the victim has to be the one who decides to leave.