Shalom Bait
Shalom Bait

HOW CAN I SUPPORT A VICTIM OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE?

Gender-based violence is a complex social issue and every situation can be different. However, there are signs which can help us identify if a woman is experiencing an abuse situation*:

»She does not take part in social activities or she quits after having taken an active part in them.

»She makes up excuses not to meet people.

»She has no close friends exclusively hers.

»She rarely invites people to her house. She looks nervous and distracted in front of guests when her partner is present.

»She does not look spontaneous in front of people.

»She avoids accepting invitations or commitments without checking with her partner. When accepted, she arrives late, or leaves unexpectedly or makes frequent phone calls.

»She rarely carries cash, she “forgets” her checkbook.

»She wears unnecessary sunglasses or heavy make-up.

»Her outfits consist of scarves, neck-covering and long-sleeved items.

»She suffers many “accidents.”»If she works, he takes her and picks her up. She is frequently ill or absent.

 

(*) Signs of abuse are not limited to this list, and -in turn- these may indicate an issue different from gender-based violence. 

If you suspect a woman you know is being victim of abuse and observe some of these signs, we offer some advice on how to support her:

ASK

 

If you think that a woman in your environment is experiencing a situation of gender violence, below we suggest some tips to support her.



» Go with her to an aid center or help her phone to ask for information.


» Accompany her to file a report.


» Offer to baby-sit her children when she needs so.


» If possible, let her know that she can count on you and go to your house when faced with an emergency situation.

 

 

LISTEN

 

Let her know that she is not alone and can talk to you when she needs to. Tell her that nothing she did or does causes the violence she is suffering, that it is not her fault.

 

MAKE CONTACT

 

Get to know the helplines and aid centers available so that you are ready to contact her the moment she decides to take the first step. You can phone or visit the places yourself to seek advice on how to deal with the process. You can find the necessary info in the “Resources” section.

 

BE RESPECTFUL

 

 On account of fear and emotional distress, a woman experiencing violence may find it hard to make decisions. Seeking help is a difficult decision which takes time to make. Be respectful, do not get angry at her, keep supporting her in a non-judgmental manner. That is the best way to help. It is important that she knows you are there for her whenever she is ready to take a step.

 

HOW CAN I SUPPORT A VICTIM OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE?

Gender-based violence is a complex social issue and every situation can be different. However, there are signs which can help us identify if a woman is experiencing an abuse situation*:

»She does not take part in social activities or she quits after having taken an active part in them.

»She makes up excuses not to meet people.

»She has no close friends exclusively hers.

»She rarely invites people to her house. She looks nervous and distracted in front of guests when her partner is present.

»She does not look spontaneous in front of people.

»She avoids accepting invitations or commitments without checking with her partner. When accepted, she arrives late, or leaves unexpectedly or makes frequent phone calls.

»She rarely carries cash, she “forgets” her checkbook.

»She wears unnecessary sunglasses or heavy make-up.

»Her outfits consist of scarves, neck-covering and long-sleeved items.

»She suffers many “accidents.”»If she works, he takes her and picks her up. She is frequently ill or absent.

 

(*) Signs of abuse are not limited to this list, and -in turn- these may indicate an issue different from gender-based violence. 

If you suspect a woman you know is being victim of abuse and observe some of these signs, we offer some advice on how to support her:

ASK

 

If you think that a woman in your environment is experiencing a situation of gender violence, below we suggest some tips to support her.



» Go with her to an aid center or help her phone to ask for information.


» Accompany her to file a report.


» Offer to baby-sit her children when she needs so.


» If possible, let her know that she can count on you and go to your house when faced with an emergency situation.

 

 

LISTEN

 

Let her know that she is not alone and can talk to you when she needs to. Tell her that nothing she did or does causes the violence she is suffering, that it is not her fault.

 

BE RESPECTFUL

 

 On account of fear and emotional distress, a woman experiencing violence may find it hard to make decisions. Seeking help is a difficult decision which takes time to make. Be respectful, do not get angry at her, keep supporting her in a non-judgmental manner. That is the best way to help. It is important that she knows you are there for her whenever she is ready to take a step.

 

MAKE CONTACT

 

Get to know the helplines and aid centers available so that you are ready to contact her the moment she decides to take the first step. You can phone or visit the places yourself to seek advice on how to deal with the process. You can find the necessary info in the “Resources” section.