Do You Have a Domestic Violence Case?

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Elane, you did a beautiful job of trying to make sure that sarah got the care that she needed. You immediately began to try to figure out who her people are, who is her community,. Who are her family and friends? And that's so important, because he has been and doing a fair share of isolating her from outside resources for this very reason. I think the other thing that i always try to talk to people about is how hard it is to be in the perimeter of a domestic violence situation. Because it takes a toll on you too.

One night a few months ago Elaine got a phone call out of the blue from a co-worker. She and her 12-year old daughter had checked herself into a hotel after she was beaten by husband. Elaine took her co-worker to the hospital and encouraged her to leave her husband, but a couple weeks later she was back at home. Now Elaine can’t stop worrying about her friend and wondering if (and how) she should help. On this episode of How To!, we’re joined by Suzanne Dubus, advocate, survivor and CEO of the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center. Suzanne says one in five women (and one in seven men) will be the victims of severe physical violence during their lifetime. She understands all too well why it takes so long for victims of domestic violence to leave their abusers, and gives us some practical advice for what to do if we ever find ourselves in Elaine’s shoes.

If you or someone you love is struggling with intimate partner violence, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s website or call 1-800-799-SAFE.

If you liked this episode, check out “How To Say the Right Thing at the Worst Time.”

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