‘I’M PASSIONATE
ABOUT ENDING
VIOLENCE AGAINST
WOMEN BECAUSE
I HAVE A SISTER
WHOSE LIFE I WANT TO
SEE FLOURISH AND
THRIVE IN A HEALTHY
ENVIRONMENT. OVER
MY DEAD BODY WILL
THAT BE DESTROYED
BY SOMEONE WHO
ABUSES HER IN THE
NAME OF “LOVE”.’
- Montaigne, artist
HOW CAN
I HELP A
FRIEND?If you think someone close to you is in an abusive relationship
or any other violent situation, here’s what you can do:If you believe
someone’s safety is
at immediate risk, call
Triple 0 and follow
their instructions. Take
every precaution to
ensure you do not put
yourself or your friend
at more risk.If you’re worried
about someone, ask
a general question
like, ‘How are things at
home?’ Offer support
like, ‘If you ever need
anything, I’m here for
you.’ Your kindness
will be remembered.If they confide in
you, listen to them,
and believe them.
Being believed and
not judged is more
powerful than you
can imagine.Ask them what
would be helpful for
them at this point in
time. Remember to
be patient. No matter
what you think is best,
they need to be in
charge of their lives.Tell them they are
not to blame for the
violence and see if
they need help getting
any information that
will assist them. You
can even offer to ring
1800RESPECT on their
behalf if they’d like.