What to Do if You Witness Abuse

While most domestic violence occurs behind closed doors, sometimes we might hear or see something that raises concern. Many people do not interfere in public acts of domestic abuse because they feel uncomfortable getting involved in a private matter, they think the incident won't escalate to something serious since it's happening in public, or they simply don't know what the right thing to do is.

Attacks that lead to serious injury or death often occur in public or in the workplace or can later escalate behind closed doors. We want the public to know that acts of abuse in public should be taken seriously and want you to be prepared to intervene safely.

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If There Is Active Violence

1. ​Call 911. If you're in a place of business, alert the manager to the situation and let them know that you've called the police or ask them to make the call.
2. While waiting on an emergency response, consider recording the situation as evidence if the survivor chooses to press charges.

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It is not recommended to intervene in a physical attack. Not only could it increase the severity of the attack on the victim, but it puts you at risk of harm. You do not know if the abuser has a weapon. 
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If There Is No Active Threat of Violence

1. If there there is no active violence, consider approaching the victim and offering assistance. If the abuser is within eyesight/earshot, a bystander could pretend to be an old friend to discreetly offer help without escalating the abuser's response. This is not recommended for a male bystander if the abuser is male and the victim is female.
2. If the victim refuses your help, let them know where they can get help later. 1-800-799-SAFE
3. Speak only to the victim and try to guide them into a more public area. Speaking with the abuser can escalate their behavior and create a violent response.
4. If you suspect a neighbor or friend is being abused, make excuses to talk to them, potentially creating an opportunity for them to ask for help. Ask to borrow an egg, ask them to help you search for a lost pet, deliver a piece of mail that was misdelivered, etc.

Believing and supporting a person in an abusive relationship can make a huge difference by making them feel empowered and able to leave when they are ready. A survivor leaves their abuser on average of 7 times before being able to leave permanently, so letting them know that they have support outside their relationship helps them build towards a permanent change, even if it doesn't happen right away.