If so, don't be afraid to offer help - you just might save someone's life

Here are some basic steps you can take to assist someone who may be a target of domestic violence:

• Approach her in an understanding, non-blaming way. Tell her that she is not alone, that there are many women like her in the same kind of situation, and that it takes strength to survive and trust someone enough to talk about battering.
• Acknowledge that is it scary and difficult to talk about domestic violence. Tell her she does not deserve to be threatened, hit, or beaten. Nothing she can do or say makes the abuser's violence OK.
• Support her as a friend. Be a good listener. Encourage her to express her hurt and anger. Allow her to make her own decisions, even if it means she is not ready to leave the abusive relationship.
• Ask if she has suffered physical harm. Go with her to the hospital to check for injuries. Help her report the assault to the police, if she chooses to do so.
• Plan safe strategies for leaving an abusive relationship. These are often called "safety plans." Never encourage someone to follow a safety plan that she believes will put her at further risk. And remember that she may not feel comfortable taking these materials with her.

Adopted from "Domestic Violence: The Facts" A Handbook to STOP VIOLENCE" Courtesy of Peace At Home (formerly Battered Women Fighting Back), Boston