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What to Do if You Suspect Someone is Being Abused

Do.....

Express concern
State clearly why you are concerned, what behaviors you’ve seen
Assure confidentiality and privacy
Let them know you know how to get help
Accept whatever they say
Listen in a non-judgmental way
Reassure them that the lines of communication are always open
Remind them that the abuse is NOT their fault
Carefully and privately document any overt evidence of abuse
Call YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services for guidance and support for yourself

Pressure them to talk to you
Assume they want to talk about it
Publicly talk about it or gossip
Try to rescue them
Blame or criticize them or their partner
Tell them what to do
Intervene beyond your own capability
Put yourself at risk
Confront the abuser
Ask too many questions; let them open up at their own pace
Place hotline information in their bag or send an email or These may be monitored by the abuser