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Ruth Darlene Patrick, Founder of WomenSV on How to Help a Friend Who is Experiencing Domestic Violence

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / May 25, 2023 / Domestic violence is a widespread issue that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their economic status, profession, culture, or age. Victims of such abuse often find it difficult to seek help, even from those they trust, and might not fully understand the gravity of their situation. In offering support to a friend suffering from domestic violence, it's essential to display empathy, understanding, and awareness of the resources available to them.

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Ruth Darlene Patrick , founder of WomenSV , a non-profit organization focused on aiding women and children impacted by domestic violence and coercive control, highlights the importance of detecting signs of abuse in order to assist a friend.

"Domestic violence goes beyond obvious forms like physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal abuse," she explains. "There are many other subtler yet equally damaging manifestations, such as legal, financial, and other less conspicuous forms of coercive control ."

Possible warning signs to watch out for include unexplained injuries, shifts in behavior, isolation from loved ones, or fearfulness towards their partner.

Once you've identified signs of abuse, it's crucial to approach a friend or loved one with tact and sensitivity. Ruth Darlene Patrick stresses the value of using open-ended questions and active listening to create a safe space for the survivor to share their story. She advises, "During your conversations, validate their feelings and reassure them that they're not alone."

Ruth Darlene Patrick also underscores the importance of offering emotional support, emphasizing the need to believe and validate a survivor's experiences. It's essential to assure them that the abuse they suffered is not their fault and that they deserve safety and respect. Encouraging the survivor to seek professional help, such as therapy or support groups, can be highly beneficial.

Besides emotional support, providing practical assistance can make a significant impact on a survivor's life. This might include helping them research available resources like legal aid, financial help, or housing options. WomenSV, for instance, offers support in various ways including support groups, access to secure technology and education to address all phases of a woman's experience with covert abuse and coercive control..

"Connecting survivors to essential resources empowers them to make informed decisions about their safety and well-being," says Ruth Darlene Patrick. "This is one way to break the cycle of abuse and help survivors rebuild their lives by providing education, training, and support."

Moreover, Ruth Darlene Patrick emphasizes the importance of respecting the survivor's autonomy and decision-making capabilities, even if they choose to stay in the relationship. "The process of leaving an abusive partner can be complex and challenging, often involving concerns for personal safety or financial stability," she explains. "To truly support a friend in need, one must respect their decisions and offer unwavering assistance without passing judgment."

Increasing public awareness and educating professionals in legal, medical, and social services is also essential in addressing domestic violence. Ruth Darlene believes that education is the most effective form of prevention and intervention, and WomenSV works to train various professionals, including law enforcement officers, attorneys, and therapists.

"Tackling domestic violence is a shared responsibility, and each of us has a role to play in supporting survivors and working towards a future free from abuse," asserts Ruth Darlene. "Helping a friend in need is not only an act of empathy, but also a step towards building a safer and more equitable world for everyone."

To support a friend experiencing domestic violence, it's vital to recognize the signs of abuse, approach the friend with care, offer emotional support, and supply valuable resources and practical assistance. By taking these steps, we can contribute to breaking the cycle of abuse and empowering survivors to build healthier lives for themselves and their children.

About WomenSV: WomenSV is a non-profit organization that works to empower survivors, train providers and educate the community to break the cycle of covert abuse and coercive control in intimate partner relationships. This organization operates with the mission of creating a world in which every woman and child can exercise their fundamental human right to live in peace, safety, and freedom in their own home.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Andrew Mitchell
media@cambridgeglobal.com

SOURCE: WomenSV



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