How to help an abuse victim

DO:

-Do Contact the Utah Domestic Violence Council at 1-800-897-5465 or the YCU, for advice about options and literature.

-Do Call police to conduct a welfare check on the victim when necessary.

-Do Document the victim’s stories of abuse and how often they occur so that a record could be used in court.

-Do Keep an open dialogue with the victim so she/he knows you are there to help.

-Do Talk to the victim about contacting the Department of Child and Family Services if children are involved in the domestic situation. If the situation warrants it, a family member should get DCSF involved.

-Do Visit or contact a domestic violence shelter in advance to learn about how to help execute a safety plan once the victim is ready to leave. Suggest to the victim that he or she meet in a safe place with a victim advocate for advice and help.

DON’T:

-Don’t Try an intervention or rescue attempt of the victim. This could jeopardize the trust between the family and the victim and cause additional problems in the victim’s home. Always talk to the victim first about such options.

-Don’t Attempt to confront the abuser. This could also escalate the problem and add fuel to a dangerous situation.

-Don’t Suggest to the victim that he or she buy a gun for protection. Abusers are often larger than their victims and could use the weapon against them.