Women come to us in times of crisis, as survivors of rape or domestic violence. We work to help them become independent. They leave more confident with a renewed spirit, new skills and stronger lives
YWCA Crisis Center Services
If you are concerned that someone you care about is experiencing abuse? Maybe you’ve noticed some warning signs, including:
- Their partner puts them down in front of other people
- They are constantly worried about making their partner angry
- They make excuses for their partner’s behavior
- Their partner is extremely jealous or possessive
- They have unexplained marks or injuries
- They’ve stopped spending time with friends and family
- They are depressed or anxious, or you notice changes in their personality
If someone you love is being abused, it can be so difficult to know what to do. Your instinct may be to “save” them from the relationship, but it’s not that easy. After all, there are many reasons why people stay in abusive relationships, and leaving can be a very dangerous time for a victim.
Abuse is about power and control, so one of the most important ways you can help a person in an abusive relationship is to consider how you might empower them to make their own decisions. Additionally, you can offer support in various ways.
Acknowledge that they are in a very difficult and scary situation, be supportive and listen
Let them know that the abuse is not their fault. Reassure them that they are not alone and that there is help and support out there like the YWCA. It may be difficult for them to talk about the abuse. Let them know that you are available to help whenever they may need it. What they need most is someone who will believe and listen.
Be non-judgmental
Respect their decisions. There are many reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships. They may leave and return to the relationship many times. Do not criticize their decisions or try to guilt them. They will need your support even more during those times.
If they end that relationship, continue to be supportive of them
Even though the relationship was abusive, they may still feel sad and lonely once it is over. They will need time to mourn the loss of the relationship and will especially need your support at that time.
Encourage them to participate in activities outside of the relationship with friends and family
Support is critical and the more they feel supported by people who care for them, the easier it will be for them to take the steps necessary to get and stay safe away from their abusive partner. Remember that you can call the hotline to find local support groups and information on staying safe.
Help them develop a safety plan
The YWCA can help in creating a safety plan for wherever they are in their relationship — whether they’re choosing to stay, preparing to leave, or have already left. You can ask them how you can help support their safety plan.
Encourage them to talk to people who can provide help and guidance
Call the YWCA at 1-800-966-7644. Offer to support them as they call in.
Remember that you cannot ‘rescue’ them
Although it is difficult to see someone you care about get hurt, ultimately, they are the one who has to make the decisions about what they want to do. It’s important for you to support them no matter what they decide and help them find a way to safety and peace.
580-234-7644
Toll Free: 800-966-7644
This hotline offers crisis intervention, information, referrals, and safety planning for callers. All calls are confidential and callers can remain anonymous.
YWCA Enid Crisis Center Shelter is a facility that is a safe haven for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and their dependent children. The Crisis Center provides a safe, clean room with access to food, clothing and personal care items.
YWCA Enid offers groups and individual counseling for victims of traumatic events with certified counselors onsite.
YWCA Advocates assist with obtaining court orders, protective orders, and other legal issues. They are available to accompany victims to court hearings for advocacy and emotional support.
Domestic Violence and its effects:
- Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.
- 1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked. Stalking causes the victim to fear that s/he or someone close to her/him will be harmed or killed.
- The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.
- Domestic violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.
- Domestic violence is most common among women between the ages of 18-24.
- Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior.
- Only 34% of people who are injured by intimate partners receive medical care for their injuries.