How can I prevent family violence?

What should I do if I know someone is a victim of family violence?

If you think someone is being hurt, you can

  • Tell them you are concerned about their safety.
  • Ask them to talk to you about what is happening to them.
  • Listen to them. Let them know you believe them.
  • Is it a mother who is being hurt? Help her understand that her children are being hurt, also.
  • Let them know that what is being done to them is a crime. Let them know that it is not their fault.
  • Help them find the support they need.

How can I help stop family violence?

If you would like to help stop family violence, here are some suggestions:

  • Learn more about family violence. The more you understand, the easier it will be to recognize it and help friends who may be victims.
  • Report abuse when you see it.
  • Think about your own actions, and how you talk with others about violent actions.
  • Volunteer with or join an organization that is dedicated to stopping family violence, such as:

Organizations

From Darkness to Light
https://www.d2l.org/
A child sexual abuse prevention program based in South Carolina. This non-profit organization's mission is to reduce child sexual abuse through education and public awareness. Includes a frequent questions list; steps to preventing, recognizing and responding to child sexual abuse; and lists places to contact for help.
Address:
7 Radcliffe Street
Suite 200
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (866) 367-5444
Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina
https://scchildren.org/resources/child-abuse-prevention-month/
Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina was created in 1975 as the Council on Child Abuse and Neglect. It is a nonprofit agency committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect through education, intervention and treatment.
Address:
1330 Lady Street, Suite 310
Columbia, SC
Phone: 803-733-5430
South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
http://www.sccadvasa.org/
This organization is an alliance of South Carolina domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers, individuals and organizations dedicated to ending abuse. Different types of abuse are listed on the left side of the page. Select a type of abuse and you will find statistics on it.
Address:
P.O. Box 7776
Columbia, SC 29202
Phone: 803-256-2900

To learn more:

Child Sexual Abuse: What It Is and How to Prevent It
(ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education)
This article provides information for parents about child sexual abuse and how to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
https://www.ericdigests.org/pre-9217/sexual.htm
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
(Department of Health and Human Services)
Resources on child abuse prevention, protecting children from risk of abuse, and promoting healthy families. Includes information on supporting families, protective factors, public awareness, community activities, positive parenting, prevention programs, and more.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/
Domestic Violence Awareness Handbook
(Department of Agriculture)
This handbook gives very detailed information about domestic violence and how to prevent it.
https://www.dm.usda.gov/shmd/handbook.htm
Find Help with a Personal Situation
(Department of Health and Human Services)
The Administration for Children and Families provides information on how and where to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Information on how to find help and counseling is also provided.
https://www.childwelfare.gov/aboutus/find-help/
Intimate Partner Violence Prevention
(National Center for Injury Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
is a good overview giving information about the problem, about who is at risk, and how to help.
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/index.html
Men Stopping Violence
Men Stopping Violence is an organization for men committed to social change that works to prevent violence against women. Here you can find informative articles about why men hurt women, and how it can be stopped. It provides professional education and training. Services for abusive men are available only in Atlanta, but contact information for other states is available.
https://www.menstoppingviolence.org/

next » Where can I find help and more information about family violence?

Written by: Laura Cousineau, M.L.S.
Reviewed by: Jim Hernandez, L.M.S.W.
Last Modified: Monday November 04, 2019 2:52 PM