I shared my about faith in God, but I really didn't help her with her problems. I wish I'd known what to do. Not as uncommon as we might hope, violent relationships are found in every community, in every social class, in couples of every conceivable color and faith. Though most of us are vaguely aware of domestic violence, when it comes to our own friends and neighbors, we, like Susan, often have little to offer. The truth is, when someone we care about lives in an abusive situation, we have much to offer.
Every person can do three simple things to help the victim of domestic violence.
The first task is to understand the dynamics of domestic abuse. For many, the culture of violence is as foreign as that of a remote African tribe. Begin by reading everything you can about the culture of abuse. Use the Internet. Call the domestic violence hotline in your county or a court advocate at your county courthouse and explain your relationship with the victim.