1Domestic violence is a serious threat to women and children all over the world. Without safehouses for the women and their children, many would have no where to go when trying to escape the violence in what was once their home. Helping these havens to protect the survivors of this horrendous crime is essential. Without them, many would not survive the abuse and end up as a deadly statistic. 
There are several things that everyday people can do to help these women and children. Follow these guidelines and you will be on your way to helping save lives.
- Donate. Monetary donations helps pay for the salaries of the specially trained advocates, as well the electric, water and gas that the safe house is responsible for each month. Remember to give household items, food and toiletries. Many women and children escape with only the clothes on their backs. Give your time and talents. Offer to answer the hotline a few hours per week or month. You can even open your home to the pets of the women and children living in the safe house. Perhaps you could drive the clients places. Anything you do will be most appreciated.Report any abuse that you suspect. Yes, even if you do not have concrete evidence that a woman is being abused, report it. Tell the woman about the safe house in her area. Let her know that she has options, other than staying in an abusive relationship. Keep the number of the safe house or crisis line with you at all times. You never know when you might run into someone who might need it.Share information with others. Tell your friends, family and neighbors about the safe house and their needs. Put a bumper sticker on your car with the number of the crisis line on it. Offer to place brochures and flyers around town that explains the services the safe house offers to women and their children.Participate in any fundraisers the safe house has planned. Ask your friends and family to join you. You don’t have to give a lot of money; you can participate by passing out flyers about domestic violence awareness at the events. Sell tickets to dinners or get people to sponsor you for walk-a-thons and the like.Get political. Make sure you vote for candidates that support stricter laws against domestic violence offenders as well as those who want to increase funding to help the survivors of this crime. Make phone calls and send letters to elected officials who have the power to help.
