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Writer's pictureManushya Foundation
Feb 17, 2023

#Feminism: How Can You Help Someone Affected by Interpersonal Violence?


⚠️ Did you know? At least 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in their life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


📍 It can be incredibly difficult for victims of violence from an intimate partner to find the help and support they need. Here are some steps you can take to help someone who is in this situation:

  • 1️⃣ Talk to them. Show the person that you care about their well-being and are there for them. Simply let them know that you are available and offer a sympathetic ear. Do not force them to open up; build trust and let the conversation unfold at a comfortable pace.

  • 2️⃣ Listen without judgment. Listen to their story without offering advice, suggesting solutions, or being judgmental. They may blame themselves or try to justify the abuse, but keep in mind that people who have been abused may love their abuser.

  • 3️⃣ Do NOT blame them. Validate their feelings. You can offer them these assurances: I believe you; This is not your fault; You don't deserve this. Oftentimes, the victim is the only person who sees the dark side of the perpetrator. So, they may feel that no one would believe them if they told others about the violence.

  • 4️⃣ Do NOT tell them to leave. It can be hard to understand why someone you care about would stay in an abusive relationship. The truth is that it's not easy to part ways; the risk of death often increases when victims try to escape from their abuser. Even though you think they should leave, it may not be safe for them to do so. Instead, help empower them to make their own choices.

  • 5️⃣ Help them explore their options. Help the victim find support and resources. Also, help them create a safety plan that can be used if there is further violence or if they decide to leave the situation. Making a plan might help them visualize the necessary steps and mentally get ready to take them.

#WeAreManushyan ∞ Equal Human Beings


✊ Manushya Foundation stands in solidarity with all survivors of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse. As domestic abuse is systemic, we all must take action by enhancing transparency and dialogue between us, and by breaking the stereotypes about abuse. We must create a global safe space for survivors to feel comfortable enough to stop blaming themselves and open up, with the final aim to find solutions and help them free themselves from abusive relationships.


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