"It's none of my business." "I don't know what to say." "I might make things worse."
We know how you feel. But it is important that you overcome your hesitation.
| Your Concern | The Reality |
|---|---|
| You feel it’s none of your business. | It could be a matter of life or death. Violence is everyone’s business. |
| You don’t know what to say. | Saying you care and are concerned is a good start. |
| You might make things worse. | Doing nothing could make things worse. |
| It’s not serious enough to involve the police. | Police are trained to respond and utilize other resources. |
| You are afraid his violence will turn to you or your family. | Speak to him alone. Let the police know if you receive threats. |
| You think she doesn’t really want to leave because she keeps going back to him. | She may not have had the support she needed. |
| You are afraid he will become angry with you. | Maybe, but it gives you the chance to offer your help. |
| You feel that both partners are your friends. | One friend is being abusive and the other lives in fear. |
| You believe that if he wanted help or wanted to change his behaviour, he would ask for help. | He may be too ashamed to ask for help. |
| You think it’s a private matter. | It isn’t when someone is being hurt. |
Courtesy of Neighbours, Friends and Families.