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ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT A CO-WORKER, FRIEND OR RELATIVE WHO MAY BE IN AN EMOTIONALLY OR PHYSICALLY ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP?
DO ASK....
- Is someone hurting you?
- Did someone hurt you?
- Are you afraid of your partner?
- Has your partner every hit (kicked, hurt) you?
- I have a friend whose partner tries to control everything they do: Is this happening to you?
- Is there someone from a previous relationship who is making you feel unsafe now?
YOU CAN SAY....
- I believe you.
- I’m worried about your safety (and the safety of your children).
- I care about you, and I know how you can get help.
- I’m sad for you, but these situations get worse.
- You don’t deserve to be hurt, you’ve done nothing wrong, this is not your fault.
- What is happening is wrong.
- Only you can decide what is best for you, but you could have a safety plan in case you are in danger.
- I can give you a number to call for help and advice.
- You are not alone.
WHAT NOT TO SAY....
- Why don’t you just leave?
- Why did you return to your partner
- What did you do to provoke your partner?
- Why did you wait so long to tell someone?
- Don’t label them as “battered” or “abused.”
- Don’t talk to the couple together about the abuse.
- Don’t discuss your concerns with their partner.
- Don’t tell them what they must do.
- Don’t discuss their information with anyone else without their permission.
HOTLINES
Safelink (877) 785-2020
REACH (800) 899-4000
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (617) 492-RAPE
Fenway Community Health (888) 242-0900 x6250 (for gay, lesbian, bisexual survivors)
(Adapted from Newton-Wellesley Hospital Domestic Violence Prevention Council)
For more information or to discuss domestic abuse concerns please contact Partners Employee Assistance Program at 1-866-724-4EAP.
Or call Safelink: a 24 hour Hotline for Information and Referral Call 1-877-785-2020
If you need Immediate Assistance, dial the police at 911
This content was last modified on: 07/17/2006
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