​Have you or anyone you know experienced:​

Physical Violence: including hitting, pushing, hair-pulling, slapping, biting or any other acts of physical mistreatment.
 

Emotional Violence: including name calling, verbal threats, attempts at control, neglect or any other acts that make you feel devalued or worthless.

Sexual Violence: involving any unwanted sexual contact, sexual pressuring, sexual threats or forced sexual relations. 
 

You are not alone!  The YWCA of Northwest Georgia can help!  Abuse or sexual assault is never your fault! Nothing in the way you act, dress or speak causes violent behavior.  No one has the right to abuse you or force you to have sex with them! It is a problem that knows no social boundaries, class distinction, race or gender. Let us help you take steps to protect yourself.
 

Signs that you or someone you know might be a victim of domestic violence:

• feels threatened or frightened when partner is angry.
• worries that partner will be jealous or suspicious.
• partner makes all or most of the decisions.
• partner criticizes victim often.
• apologizes frequently for partner’s behavior.
• withdrawn from friends and family and seems in a hurry to get home.
• partner breaks things, throws things, or intimidates her.
• victim may have to quit job.
 

Tips for communicating with someone who may be a victim of domestic violence and experiencing physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse and/or sexual abuse.
 

DO
• Respect the victim’s feelings and thoughts, even if you disagree or can’t empathize.
• Ask questions instead of giving answers.
• Assure the victim of confidentialality (when appropriate).
• Listen without passing judgement.
• Move at victim's pace.
• Inform the victim of resources – tell them about the YWCA’s 24-hour crisis and information line 770.427.3390.
• Suggest safety planning.
 

What to say…
• I am afraid/concerned for you.
• Does it bother you/scare you when he/she does that?
• Are you ever afraid of him/her?
​​​​​​​​​​• You shouldn’t have to be afraid.
• It seems like he/she is controlling, overly jealous, etc.
• Have you thought about leaving?
• Have you thought about a safety plan?
• You deserve to be treated well.
 

DON’T
• Act skeptical or impose your own judgements, values and beliefs.
• Tell her/him what she/he should do or make decisions for her/him.
• Make promises you can’t keep.
• Blame or criticize.
• Hurry the decision process.
• Intervene beyond your capabilities.
 

What NOT to say…
• Why don’t you just leave?
• Why do you let him/her treat you like that?
• He/She is a loser; He/She is no good.
• You should just dump him/her.
• You don’t really know what love is yet.
• It’s not real love.
• He/She doesn’t love you or he/she wouldn’t treat you like that.
• “You should…” or “If I were you…"