Help for Friends and Family
The reach of domestic violence extends beyond the person experiencing it.
Domestic violence impacts family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community.
If you hear or witness an assault:
- Call 911
- Write down information immediately, including license plate numbers and the location of the assault.
- Keep yourself safe and call the police. Do not assume someone else has called.
Other ways to help:
- Provide contact information for local resources. Let them use your phone to make the call (801-444-9161).
- Suggest developing a safety plan.
- Offer to let them keep emergency supplies at your house.
- Help them develop a safety plan for children.
- Offer any help you feel comfortable with such as a place to store belongings, pet sitting or re-housing, use of a vehicle, etc.
How to have the conversation with someone you suspect is being abused:
- Talk to the individual in private where the suspected abuser won’t overhear.
- Mention your concerns and the things you’ve noticed that caused these concerns.
- Don’t push the issue, but let them know that you are there whenever they feel ready to talk.
- Offer to keep their confidence, if you feel comfortable doing so, however, be aware of the obligation to report it if child abuse is involved.
- Be patient. Remember, abusers control and manipulate their victims often isolating them from their support network and reducing their self worth leaving them depressed, scared, ashamed, and confused; don’t demand they leave immediately they may not be capable of doing this.
- Ask questions, listen, offer help, and express concern. Avoid blaming, pressuring, giving advice, and placing conditions on your support.
- Tell them that it’s NOT their fault and they’re not alone.
If you know someone you believe is being abused and don’t know where to turn to help, you can turn to Safe Harbor.
Our crisis line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer your questions and help strategize with you for how you can offer support.