If you witness
an assault, contact the police, school principal or other
adult immediately
Make use of community
resources--counseling, school and the legal system
Call your local
domestic violence agency
DO
NOT:
Endanger yourself by confronting the
abusive partner
Assume she wants to end the relationship
or that you know what is best for her. This will make her
afraid of disappointing you. This kind of intimidation
will only reinforce her role as a victim.
Ask her what she did to provoke him. This
will only reinforce feelings of self-blame and prevent
her from expecting her partner to take responsibility.
Talk to her and the abuser together. This
will make her more fearful of opening up. Don't talk to
the abuser at all without her permission.
Sources:
Three
Rivers Free-Net Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
