HELP STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

31 ways you can help stop domestic violence.

If you can do one thing to help

1. Call the police when you see or hear domestic violence. Your call can save a life. 2. If you suspect someone is a victim, ask if they are safe or need someone to talk to. Explain that free and confidential services are available at their local domestic violence program. 3. If a victim confides in you, offer a safe place to make a phone call, a ride to a local shelter, or to baby-sit while they attend appointments. 4. Offer to care for the pet of a victim who is hesitant to leave the pet to go to a domestic violence shelter. 5. Support domestic violence victims by listening to them in a non-judgmental way, and encouraging them to work with their local domestic violence program to develop a safety plan. 6. If you suspect someone is being abusive in a relationship, encourage the person to get help. Your local domestic violence program can provide referral information. 7. Carry the number of the National Domestic Violence Hotline in your wallet in case you meet someone who needs it. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). 8. Wear a purple ribbon during October to show your support of your local domestic violence program. 9. Find out whats on your local domestic violence programs wish list, and organize a collection among your friends, neighbors or co-workers.

10. Ask your local domestic violence program if you can organize a fundraiser on their behalf. 11. Become a volunteer at your local shelter. There are lots of things you can do. 12. Attend a candlelight vigil or community event sponsored by your local domestic violence program. 13. Donate money or gift cards to your local domestic violence program. 14. Include your local domestic violence program in your estate planning. 15. If you are having a birthday, wedding or anniversary celebration, ask your guests to donate to your local domestic violence program in lieu of bringing a gift. 16. Donate your old cell phone to your local domestic violence program. 17. Be a role model for your children and others by being respectful in all your relationships. 18. Learn the warning signs of abusive relationships at www.thehotline.org. 19. Talk to your teen about whats appropriate and healthy behavior in a dating relationship. Encourage them to come to you if they are ever afraid in a relationship. 20. Get involved if you suspect your teen, or one of your teens friends, is in an abusive relationship. 21. Ask your middle and high school to bring in speakers from your local domestic violence program to talk about teen dating violence. 22. Suggest your faith community adopt your local domestic violence program as a service project. 23. Ask your faith leader to offer a prayer or preach a sermon on ending family violence during a worship service.

24. Encourage businesses that you patronize to put out a donation jar for your local domestic violence program. 25. Invite a speaker from your local domestic violence program to educate your co-workers about workplace violence. 26. Make sure information about domestic violence services and referrals is in your companys Employee Assistance Program. 27. Place informational materials from your local domestic violence program in your workplace lounges and restrooms. 28. Speak to the appropriate manager at work about implementing policies and safeguards to support domestic violence victims. 29. Lobby your state and federal elected officials to fully fund domestic violence services. 30. Ask candidates for public office how they plan to address the crime of domestic violence in your community. 31. Recognize that domestic violence is a crime that can happen in any neighborhood, and all victims of it deserve safety and justice.