Love Shouldn’t Hurt / L’amour ne devrait pas blesser 25 If you know someone who is experiencing violence, here are some ways that you can help someone who is being abused. Name the abuse that is happening. • Do not make excuses for the • partner’s behaviour, do not blame the victim or make it seem like a normal experience. Offer to help them explore their • options and provide information and contact numbers for services for the entire family. Find local resources at www.gnb.ca/violence. Let them know you believe them • and make it clear that no one deserves to be abused—it’s not their fault! Where possible, tell the victim • that you can help with such things as transportation, babysitting, a loan, letting them make phone calls or use your computer, offering a place to stay, etc. Tell the victim that if children are • exposed to family violence it must be reported to the Department of Social Development (1-888-99ABUSE). Explain that anyone who suspects a child is living in an abusive home has an obligation to report it to child protection. Encourage them to make a safety • plan and to contact agencies that can help. Download the Evo app to them gather information and make a personal safety plan to reduce the risk of harm. If they feel they are in immediate • danger, tell them they can use your phone to call the police (911) or nearest shelter—or you can call for them. If you suspect there are firearms • in the house, tell the victim that they are at an increased risk of harm and that they should consider telling the police about any firearms in the home.You can mention that there is a toll-free number that victims can call to report concerns about a firearm - Canadian Firearms Program: 1-800-731-4000. Remember that the abusive • partner may need programs and services to help end the violence. Find resources for abusive partners at www.gnb.ca/violence. Tell the victim that you believe in • their strengths and that you are willing to help whenever they need you.
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