Supporting Someone in an Abusive Situation

Key Points to Consider

• Approach with Care: If you know someone in an abusive situation, talk to them about resources and alternatives without judgment.
  • Do not tell them what to do; it's their decision.
  • Avoid coming across as controlling, even with good intentions.
  • Believe their account of the situation; they are likely downplaying it.

Safety Considerations

• Safety of Survivor and Workplace: Prioritize safety in any intervention.
• Develop a Safety Plan:
  • Create a network of trusted individuals.
  • Identify a pre-planned safe place unknown to the abuser.
  • Keep an emergency bag with essentials and important documents in a secure location.
  • Remove weapons from the house to reduce risk.

Risk Awareness

• Increased Risk After Leaving:
  • Likelihood of harm increases by 75% once a survivor leaves.
  • The abuser's loss of control heightens danger.

Security Measures

• Involve Security:
  • Provide security with a photo, description, and identifiers of the abuser.
  • Obtain information on the abuser’s criminal background and weapon ownership.

Post-Leaving Precautions

• Maintain Caution:
  • Do not disclose the survivor’s new whereabouts.
  • Ensure someone in the trusted network knows the survivor’s location at all times.

Legal and Advocacy Support

• Utilize Legal Systems:
  • Survivors can access courts and advocacy programs for support.
  • Professionals are available and knowledgeable to assist in ending the cycle of violence.
  • Survivors should be notified in advance of any release if the abuser is jailed.