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1. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Attackers target women who are distracted and are easy marks. Keep your eyes open and don’t wear headphones. Stay in areas you know that are well lit! 2. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. 3. PRACTICE YOUR SKILLS. If you learn some techniques in a workshop or online… PRACTICE! You need to develop muscle memory and power if you want it to work. 4. STAND TALL. Present yourself with

All too often the question “Why do people stay in abusive relationships?” is posed to survivors, implying that they are to blame for the abuse. Instead, questions like “How did the person causing harm prevent their partner from leaving?” or “Why do perpetrators of abuse hurt the person they claim to love?” are more appropriate. There are serious factors that weigh on the survivor’s decision to leave: Leaving can be dangerous: Many people experiencing intimate partner violence realistically fear that

A Few Words of Guidance: It’s important not to be judgmental if a loved one is experiencing domestic violence. Relationship abuse can be a very isolating experience, and many victims already blame themselves for what’s happening. Having a lifeline to a friend or family member can make all the difference in a person’s ability to break free from domestic violence. Be patient and always offer a listening ear. Use gender neutral language (partner, they, etc) when speaking about the person

Planning for Safety Create a Safety Plan: If you are in or are planning to leave a violent relationship, a safety plan can be a very valuable resource. A safety plan will help you think through some of the steps you may decide to take to protect yourself and your children. You can receive support in creating a safety plan from counselors on the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline (1-866-723-3014). Your safety plan may include: Know where you can get help.