This week, we're exploring the many ways you can support a survivor – a friend or family member- in the aftermath of their abusive relationship.
This is Jessica Skultety, Community Outreach Associate at Safe+Sound Somerset. We are Somerset County New Jersey’s lead domestic violence organization, providing safety, hope and healing to survivors for 41 years.
When 1 out of 3 teens experiences dating abuse before high school graduation, it’s all of our responsibility to work together to end abuse once and for all. The Ask Ava series, developed by teens in our SPEAK Teen Leadership Camps, is designed to connect with and educate teens and those that care about them, about teen dating abuse and healthy relationships. We'll be answering this week's question with a deeper look here on our podcast.
Today's question from local teens is: Dear Ava: How do I help a friend who is having flashbacks and is mentally affected by their abusive relationship from 3 years ago?
There are so many ways you can support a friend or family member who is experiencing or who is in the aftermath of an abusive relationship. Besides spending time with them and letting them know that you care, follow up with them. This is one of the most important parts of supporting a friend or family member through anything difficult. If they are receiving services such as counseling and you are aware, ask how this is going. Even if they don’t want to talk to you about it, make sure they know they can come to you.
Trauma can be healed with professional help, so try to encourage your friend to reach out to a domestic violence organization like Safe+Sound Somerset. We can provide counseling services at no charge including individual and group therapy, safety planning (even in the aftermath of an abusive relationship), EMDR, and treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
There is more you can do for your friend. Focus on their progress and really listen – let them make decisions and talk to you. In their abusive relationship, they don't have choices or they didn’t have choices, and it's important to empower survivors, let them make their own choices, and share their own feelings. Remember to take care of yourself as well – step away when you need to, reach out to a trusted adult or friend to talk about how you feel, or YOU call or text the Safe+Sound Somerset Hotline at 866-685-1122 for more information and support. Also see our previous podcast from Ask Ava about how to support a friend or family member currently in an abusive relationship. Visit our website at www.safe-sound.org.
Thank you for listening today. Join us next time here on Ask Ava.