If you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence, you may feel powerless to help them leave a dangerous situation. And, while it is ultimately up to them to make that choice for themselves—including whether to seek the help of an attorney—there are ways to provide proactive support. Below are a few suggestions for this difficult time.

The Numbers

Domestic violence is a widespread problem. Every minute of the day, an average of 20 people are physically abused by their partners—ten million people each year. One in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence, but, unfortunately, they only seek medical treatment for their injuries about 34% of the time.

How to Help

First, remember that domestic violence is a criminal offense; it is not merely a "personal problem" between intimate partners—it poses a serious risk to the individual victim and to society as a whole. A helpful starting point in assisting a domestic violence victim is to encourage them to talk about what's been happening. Don't judge them, but be direct; express your concern and start a dialogue. Reassure them they are not at fault and always believe what they are telling you.

Bear in mind that the victim may not feel safe in leaving the relationship right away. Don't criticize their choice to stay. Instead, offer solutions to help protect them until they are ready to leave. For example, devise a code word the two of you can share; if the victim needs help, they can call or text this word to alert you.

Direct a domestic violence victim to resources in your local community. Remind them that they are not alone and that there are professionals ready to support them. If they want to take out a protective order, consult an attorney to streamline the process.

If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, contact Anderson Law Firm. Attorney Darren Anderson has been serving east Texas and southwest Arkansas for more than 20 years, offering representation in criminal, personal injury, and family law cases. Learn more about his expertise on his website. See recommendations from former clients on his Facebook. Then schedule a confidential consultation with this trusted and experienced attorney by calling (903) 792-1229 today.