• Let the young people in your life know early on that violence in a relationship is never acceptable, under any circumstances. Make sure they know that if anyone they date ever hits or hurts them, there are places they can go for help.  

• Invite community leaders to speak out against domestic violence at
  school assemblies, Boy and Girl Scout meetings, and other place where youth gather.

• Take domestic violence seriously at all times, and demand that your friends do the same. If you hear a friend joke about domestic violence, take a stand. Doing this sends the powerful message that domestic violence is not a laughing matter.

• Make a personal commitment to talk about domestic violence whether it is with a friend you suspect is either a victim or perpetrator of abuse, or with co-workers who might be enlisted to get involved too.

• Support your local domestic violence agency by becoming a volunteer
  or financial supporter.

• Make sure that the places in your community gyms, supermarkets, laundromats, businesses, post offices, libraries, etc. – have information about domestic violence and where to go for help.

What is abuse?

What can I do?

Help is available.

Virginia Department of Social Services

Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance

Break the Silence
A project of Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance

Resources for Professionals

• Encourage your workplace, faith community, and
  local schools to contact the local domestic violence agency for speakers, educational materials, and volunteer opportunities.

• For more information about educating friends and family members to recognize and respond when someone they care about is being abused, contact Break the Silence at www. breakthesilenceva.org

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