5 Ways to
Help a Friend
If you or someone you know might be in an abusive relationship, call or text our 24-hour helpline at 214.946.HELP (4357)
Remember: She is the expert of her own safety! Change takes time and everyone’s journey is unique.
“I am so glad you feel comfortable talking to me about this. What is happening in your relationship is not okay and I want to support you as best as I can.”
“This is not your fault. Everybody deserves to be safe in their relationship.”
“Let’s talk about how I can help. Who are other people you trust that you can talk to about this? When are the times you feel most vulnerable and unsafe?”
“There are people who can help you. Have you heard of Genesis? You can call or text their 24-hour helpline anytime at 214.946.HELP (4357) for support or services.”
“This must feel really scary and overwhelming. I want you to know that I’m here for you through this process, no matter what happens.”
Remember: She is the expert of her own safety! Change takes time and everyone’s journey is unique.
#1. Believe her
Often times, she will be made to feel that her feelings are invalid or that she is behaving irrationally. By believing her, you can help validate how she is feeling and establish yourself as a safe person for her to go to.
“I am so glad you feel comfortable talking to me about this. What is happening in your relationship is not okay and I want to support you as best as I can.”
#2. Don’t blame her
She may make choices you don’t necessarily understand, but it is important to remember that she is an expert in her own safety and doing her best. By supporting her it may help keep lines of communication open so she does not feel isolated.
“That is not your fault. Everybody deserves to be safe in their relationship.”
#3. Help her begin to think about safety planning
She may make choices you don’t necessarily understand, but it is important to remember that she is an expert in her own safety and doing her best. By talking about a safety plan, you can help her determine options that work for her own situation that could increase her own physical and emotional safety.
“Let’s talk about how I can help. Who are other people you trust that you can talk to about this? When are the times you feel most vulnerable and unsafe?”
#4. Refer her to Genesis
“There are people who can help you. Have you heard of Genesis? You can call or text their 24-hour helpline anytime at 214.946.HELP (4357) for support or services.”
#5. Continue to provide support
This must feel really scary and overwhelming. I want you to know that I’m here for you through this process, no matter what happens.”
Domestic abuse is an equal opportunity epidemic
4.8 million women are victims each year in the United States. We call domestic abuse an equal opportunity epidemic because it affects women of every ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status and neighborhood.
On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic abuse hotlines nationwide. At Genesis, our helpline is answered 24 hours a day. Someone is available anytime day or night to help women find safety, shelter and support.
One in four women in the United States - and one in three in Texas - will know domestic abuse during her lifetime.
Domestic abuse is an equal opportunity epidemic
4.8 million women are victims each year in the United States. We call domestic abuse an equal opportunity epidemic because it affects women of every ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status and neighborhood.
On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic abuse hotlines nationwide. At Genesis, our helpline is answered 24 hours a day. Someone is available anytime day or night to help women find safety, shelter and support.
One in four women in the United States - and one in three in Texas - will know domestic abuse during her lifetime.
What are red flags to look out for?
Her partner seems to have the final say in every decision and she appears reluctant/fearful to give a final answer.
You realize she does not have any access to her own financial means.
She appears fearful of any sort of confrontation.
She tends to minimize words and/or behaviors in the relationship that seem inappropriate or abusive to you.
If you or someone you know might be in an abusive relationship, call or text our 24-hour helpline at 214.946.HELP (4357)