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5 Ways To Help A Survivor Of Domestic Violence

Ever wonder what you can do?

Oct 01, 2018

https://www.shaw.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Artic...

October is domestic violence awareness month (DVAM), which means it's time to rep ALL of your purple clothes and pay attention even more so to the people in your community who have witnessed and/or survived domestic violence. It's important to know that domestic violence does not always exist in an explicitly visible way. This means listening to the indirect cries for help, paying attention to your loved ones, and concerning yourself with the fact that perpetrators of abuse all look different, as do survivors. To help survivors everywhere, here are 5 things you can do as an advocate.

1. Offer to help them find services.

Simply locating a domestic violence agency could act as a huge help. There is only so much you can do, so utilize the resources in your community! And remember that calling the police is not always the safest option.

2. Offer them a temporary place to stay should they choose to leave.

Whether it be a couple of nights, a week, or a few months, opening your home to a survivor if/when they choose to leave the situation can be the difference in their choice of staying/leaving. Always ensure that by offering your home, you are not endangering them more.

3. Educate those around you about the importance of DV awareness.

You starting a discussion may just be the difference in someone's life. Be brave. Some people are uncomfortable with the topic, but the point is to start a dialogue to decrease the discomfort. Enduring some discomfort talking about it does not compare to the discomfort that survivors experience. The least we can do as advocates is start a conversation!

4. Be aware of your interactions-- you never know when you may be talking to a survivor.

Language is critical! Be conscious of your word choice, as you don't want to accidentally replicate the perpetrator's words. For example, avoid condescending phrases like "Why didn't you ___" or "You should have ___".

5. Attend (or host if you're able!) an event to show your support.

Make sure you're wearing purple, too!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Ways To Help A Survivor Of Domestic Violence

Ever wonder what you can do?

1. Offer to help them find services.

2. Offer them a temporary place to stay should they choose to leave.

3. Educate those around you about the importance of DV awareness.

4. Be aware of your interactions-- you never know when you may be talking to a survivor.

5. Attend (or host if you're able!) an event to show your support.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

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15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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