Hello everyone! October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and I find it very important to put out any and all information I can at this time. We have a lot going on here at Hopeful Hearts Ministry. Our online presence is growing astronomically. We have started a closed On-Line Survivor Support Group – feel free to sign up on Facebook under Hopeful Hearts Ministry. Go to GROUPS 

For the month of October we are also asking FRIENDS to please help us out with doing a fundraiser either via Facebook or asking your friends directly via email. Click on this link to set up an online fundraiser.

If you would like the already written and put together email plea, contact us directly at info@hopefulheartsministry.org

We are growing, however, we are also fully donor funded and to keep it alive we desperately need your support!

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN AIDING SURVIVORS OF ABUSE ON THEIR HEALING JOURNEY. 

Helping Survivors of Domestic Abuse

If you suspect that someone is the victim of domestic abuse, and you feel clueless about the best way to help. Further, you are afraid of saying something wrong to the victim, and that fear prevents you from reaching out. Do not let the wait for perfect words keep you from seizing the opportunity to change a life. Unfortunately, victims of domestic abuse think that the world is filled with fear and despair, and they are alone in it. Your effort to reach out to them, and letting them know that you are there for them will provide tremendous relief. This article will help you in lending your support to a domestic violence victim in this vulnerable situation.

Impact of Domestic Violence

The seemingly atrocious impact of domestic violence on an individual is often so severe that it leaves the victim with physical, mental, and emotional trauma. The victim started questioning his/her own self. Moreover, suffered from low self-esteem, depression, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts, hopelessness, apprehensive, and discouraged about the future.

Hence, the survivor takes time to adjust to living in a safe environment, especially if the perpetrator was severely violent. Therefore, addressing this pain will not be an easy task, and it might be overwhelming. Nevertheless, the healing process helps the survivor in developing inner strength and lessens their fear of safety. Nonetheless, people who support domestic victims must know that healing takes time.

Tips to Help a Victim of Domestic Violence

If you have decided to reach out to an abuse victim, then do so during a time of calm. Moreover, try to make sure that you have enough time if the victim decides to open up. Reason being that if a victim opts to disclose years of pent up fear or frustration, then it is not suitable to end the conversation just because you have another commitment. The following tips will help you in reaching out to a domestic abuse

Start the Conversation

You can start a conversation by saying that you have noticed some changes that concern you. It can be the change in dressing to cover up the bruises or the person has suddenly become quiet and withdrawn. Ensure the person you will keep his/her information undisclosed. Moreover, try not to force the person to open up, and the conversation unfolds at a comfortable pace.

Listen Without Judgment

It is advisable to listen to the abuse victim without judgment. There is a likely probability that if you listen to the person with full attention, it might tell you exactly what they need. Hence, give the person full opportunity to talk.

Believe the Victim

Believe the victim and so, no matter what. Mostly, the victim is the only one who sees the dark side of the perpetrator, as domestic violence is all about control than anger. Therefore, there is a possibility that the victim feels that no one would believe them if they told people about the violence.

Validate the Victim’s Feelings

If you want to help domestic abuse, it is important that you validate its feelings by them know that having such conflicting thoughts is normal. Moreover, assure the victim that violence and abuse are not part of the healthy relationships and that you are concerned about the safety of domestic abuse.

Importance of Counseling

In such a situation, counseling is very important. If helps the victim in developing the inner strength system as well as motivates him/her towards the healing journey. Try to validate his/her feelings, and ensure your support to them irrespective of the situation. Further, tell them that you will stand next to them no matter what.

Blog Author:  John Adam
healthnic1@gmail.com