When you're concerned about an adult family member, friend, or neighbor.

Signs of Abuse:

  • Unexplained bruises
  • You sense their fear
  • You are aware of a lot of arguments
  • Depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, anxiety, multiple health issues
  • Unexplained sadness, crying, guilt, shame
  • Difficulty with holidays, anniversaries, special occasions
  • No access to money/car/medications
  • She/he has to ask permission to go places
  • Afraid of leaving children with others

What to Say

  • I am concerned about you.
  • I heard yelling from your home, are you OK?
  • I don’t like the way your partner treats you. You don’t deserve that.
  • You can come to my house if you are afraid.
  • I know where to find help.
  • How can I be helpful to you right now?
  • Surviving this experience shows your strength/creativity/willpower/courage.
  • I’d like to be supportive. Can we talk about this again?

Always speak to the person you are concerned about privately.

Never speak to anyone else without their permission.

Call your local program to practice what to say and when to say it.

Decide to be a consistent support person, even when they don’t do what you want them to do.

Where to go for more help.