"Each of us is responsible for carefully helping undo the damaging effects of victimization. A victim’s decisions may not seem logical to us, but, by simply demonstrating compassion and honoring their right to choose their path, we begin to neurologically undo the harm done by the assailant and help a victim build the capacity needed to achieve safety.
"Be a SAFE PERSON. Do you gossip, raise your voice, rant on Facebook, or tell people what to do? Though seemingly benign, these reinforce for a victim that reaching out for help will only make them more vulnerable.
"Be a PROACTIVELY SAFE PERSON. Be the person who expresses concern and elicits input without judgment. Bring the discussion of domestic violence to your workplace and faith community. Act as if victims are watching…because they are.
"EDUCATE YOURSELF. You can’t make a victim choose to end a relationship, but you can let them know what their choices are. You don’t have to be the expert, but you should know how to direct someone to one...."
http://www.mlive.com/opinion/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/05/ywca_domestic_violence_reshape.html
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