Relationships Shouldn’t Hurt
“She loves me. She hits me. She gives me presents.”
“He says he’s never loved anyone like this. He’s threatened suicide if I ever leave him.”
“She says I’m the only one. She rapes me. She says no one else will ever love me”
Facts to know:
Domestic violence includes a broad spectrum of abusive behaviors
You don’t have to be hit to be abused
Abuse can be verbal, emotional, psychological, and/or sexual
Abusive behaviors are oppressive, coercive, and controlling
If you have a friend who is being abused:
Don’t ignore it.
Let him/her know privately that you’re aware of the abusive situation.
Be there as a friend.
Be a good listener.
Offer him/her support, the space to express hurt, anger, and fear and allow him/her to make his/her own decisions.
Let your friend know that he/she is not responsible for the abuse and does not deserve it
Tell your friend about available resources
Safety Planning: Protect Yourself
Stash some cash for emergencies.
Pack an emergency bag with clothes, important documents, spare keys, and important phone numbers, and keep it in a safe place.
Let someone know about your situation. Give them a code or phrase to signal if you re in danger.
Practice an escape route and identify the safest rooms in your home.
Teach your children to dial 911.