WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS BEING ABUSED

• If you hear sounds of violence, call the police. Don't put yourself in danger or wait for the situation to resolve itself.
  

• Secretly provide the suspected victim with the telephone number to a local shelter or counseling and support services. You can say that you are passing them out to everyone you know.
  

• Offer your support. Many victims may feel isolated, fearful, and/or angry. Being a good listener can help.
  

WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS BEING ABUSED

• Don't try to break up the fight. Leave the police work to the police. Call 911.
  

• Don't confront the batterer. Instead, urge the victim to call for help.
  

• Don't jump to conclusions about why a victim may be staying in a relationship. No one likes being abused. It often takes a long time for a victim to leave.
  

• Don't offer to let a victim of domestic violence stay in your house without thinking about it first. You could be placing your own family in danger. Offer to help get a victim into a shelter instead.