ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERTS

DON’T DOUBT YOURSELF.

“I have learned to listen to my inner voice. When you think something is hopeless, it’s not. You don’t have to accept a situation, and you don’t have to do it on your own. Reach out, even if it’s just one person.”

Rebecca Lowell

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE YOUR DANGER.

“People acclimate to their level of abuse and tend to minimize their danger. Reach out to the National Hotline to get connected to a victim advocate who can do a danger screening and make an individual safety plan. If there are children involved, expand that plan to them. Create a code word with children and teach them how to call 911.”

Larissa Sutherland

DOCUMENT THE ABUSE.

“When you photograph your injuries, identify yourself in the photos. Email them to a friend and delete the evidence from your phone.”

Larissa Sutherland

DON’T BLAME YOURSELF.

“Anyone can experience domestic violence. The shame and secrecy of it is its own pandemic.”

Megan Lenherr

DON’T KEEP IT A SECRET AND SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY

“The first tendency is to think that you can handle it yourself. Talk to friends and family and get support. And devise a plan, because it’s not going to get better. It’s only going to get worse.”

Sharon Donnelly Love

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND QUESTION YOUR ASSUMPTIONS

“Learning the players and dynamics of what goes on in domestic violence is legion, a quantum effort.”

Elizabeth Barbour