It can rip your heart apart when you know someone is stuck in an abusive relationship. You can't fix it, but there are things you can do.

1.800.799.SAFE (7233)  National Domestic Violence Hotline  -  Call  24/7
Did you know that about ¼ of all women in the U.S. report that they have experienced domestic violence? That each year, intimate partner violence »»results in an estimated 1,200 deaths and 2 million injuries among women and nearly 600,000 injuries among men?

What to Do & Say

If someone you know is being abused:
  • Listen - "I believe you."
  • Acknowledge - "No one deserves to be abused."
  • Express Concern - "I am concerned for your safety."
  • Respect their Choices - "It's important for you to make decisions that are important for you."
  • Be Supportive: "You are not alone."
  • Provide Encouragement -" The NDV Hotline is anonymous and confidential. You could call them or help."
The above tips appear on a bookmark you can download courtesy the Telling Amy's Story project. Free tool kits for book clubs & community awareness also available.

Telling Amy's Story, a documentary, is a very powerful look into the world of what it's like for someone. in an abusive relationship. The film was produced by  Penn State Public Broadcasting with funding from Verizon Foundation's HopeLine.  Your time is precious, so we've given you 2 versions below, 4 minutes and 15 minutes.