24/7 Confidential Hotline: 1-800-915-0045

The Haven Inc.

For help call: 1-800-915-0045

  • Home
  • Resources
    • Identify Abuse
    • Plan for Safety
    • Support Others
  • Programs & Services
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sexual Assault
    • Prevention & Outreach
  • Make a Difference
    • Career Opportunities
    • Contact Us
  • More
    • Home
    • Resources
      • Identify Abuse
      • Plan for Safety
      • Support Others
    • Programs & Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Sexual Assault
      • Prevention & Outreach
    • Make a Difference
      • Career Opportunities
      • Contact Us

For help call: 1-800-915-0045

The Haven Inc.
  • Home
  • Resources
    • Identify Abuse
    • Plan for Safety
    • Support Others
  • Programs & Services
    • Domestic Violence
    • Sexual Assault
    • Prevention & Outreach
  • Make a Difference
    • Career Opportunities
    • Contact Us

Supporting Others

How can I be supportive?

There are many ways that family and friends can support survivors of violence. Here are a few suggestions:

6 Ways to Support Survivors of Violence

Listen & Validate

Be Patient & Understanding

Be Patient & Understanding

One of the most important thigs you can do is simply listen to the survivor and validate their experiences. Let them know that you believe them and that what happened was not their fault. 

Be Patient & Understanding

Be Patient & Understanding

Be Patient & Understanding

Understand that healing takes time and that everyone's journey is different. Be patient with the survivor and avoid pressuring them to "get over it" or "move on."

Respect Their Boundaries

Be Patient & Understanding

Provide Practical Support

It's important to respect the survivor's boundaries and not push them into discussing or doing anything they're not ready for. Let them take the lead and make decisions about their own healing process.

Provide Practical Support

Encourage Professional Help

Provide Practical Support

Offer practical support such as accompanying them to appointments, helping with transportation, or assisting with childcare. These gestures can alleviate some of the survivor's stress and allow them to focus on their healing. 

Encourage Professional Help

Encourage Professional Help

Encourage Professional Help

Encourage the survivor to seek professional help if they haven't already. Talking to a domestic violence advocate at The Haven can be incredibly beneficial for survivors of violence. Call 1-800-915-0045 for assistance. 

Educate Yourself

Encourage Professional Help

Encourage Professional Help

Take the time to educate yourself about the effects of violence and the resources available to survivors. This will help you better understand their experiences and provide appropriate support. 

1-800-915-0045

  • Contact Us
  • Forms

The Haven Inc.

P.O. Box 4279 Houma, LA 70361

1-800-915-0045 | (985) 872-0757

Copyright © 2025 The Haven Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  If you think someone’s monitoring your devices, visit this website from a computer, tablet, or smartphone that isn't being monitored. Exit from this website and delete it from your browser history. If you are in danger, please contact 911, if it is safe to do so. 

Exit Site