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• Express your understanding, care, concern, and support.
• Point out your friend's strengths. He/she may not see his/her own
abilities and gifts because of being blinded by the effects of the
abuse.
• Encourage your friend to confide in a trusted adult. Offer to go with
him/her for help.
• Talk to a trusted adult if you believe your friend's situation is
getting worse.
• Help your friend by suggesting a counselor or an advisor you trust.
• Never put yourself in a dangerous situation by being a mediator.
• Call the police if you witness an assault.
• Read articles or books that could help you or your friend.
Things Not to Say or Do
• Don't be critical of your friend or his/her partner.
• Don't ask blaming questions such as: "What did you do to provoke
him/her?", "Why don't you just break up with your partner?" or "Why
can't you handle him/her?"
• Don't pressure your friend into making quick decisions.
• Don't assume he/she wants to break up with his/her partner or that you
know what's best for your friend.
What You Can Do
• Start a peer education program on teen dating violence and present
programs to classes at school or in your community.
• Ask your school library to purchase books about living without
violence and the cycle of violence.
• Raise awareness by making posters or hosting programs at your school
during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.
• Produce plays in your drama program that address teen dating violence
or domestic abuse.
Don't forget to take care of yourself. Helping someone can be lots of
work. Recognize your own efforts and reward yourself for helping a
friend in need.
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