This updated article explains why survivors of domestic violence often stay silent, offers concrete actions for friends and bystanders, lists immediate steps for those in danger (including the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline), and outlines longer-term recovery options. It emphasizes belief, confidentiality, safety planning, and legal accountability.

Survivors deserve safety and support

Domestic abuse remains a global problem. About one in three women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner in their lifetime - a scale that makes clear this is not a private problem but a public health and human rights crisis.

Why many people stay silent

Fear is real: fear for their lives, for their children, for financial survival, or for further social isolation. Abusers often isolate victims, control money and communication, and threaten consequences for seeking help. These tactics trap people and make it hard to reach out, even to close friends or family.

How friends, family and bystanders can help

  • Listen without judgment. Believe the survivor and prioritize their choices.
  • Offer practical help: a safe place to stay, a phone, childcare, or transportation.
  • Respect confidentiality. Sharing details without consent can increase risk.
  • Help create a safety plan: identify exits, pack an emergency bag, and memorize important numbers.
  • Encourage professional help: domestic violence agencies, medical care, counseling, and legal assistance.
Many people who oppose abuse feel anger toward abusers and want accountability. That emotion is understandable; the effective response is to support survivors and promote legal accountability, not to escalate violence.

Immediate steps if you are in danger

  • If you are in immediate physical danger, call local emergency services now.
  • In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 (TTY 1-800-787-3224) and online at https://www.thehotline.org.
  • If you cannot call, many hotlines offer chat, text, or online resources. Local shelters and domestic violence organizations can help with safety planning, temporary housing, and legal guidance.
  • Preserve evidence when possible: photos of injuries, medical records, messages, and a log of incidents can support safety planning and legal actions.

Longer-term options and recovery

Survivors rebuild their lives through counseling, legal remedies (protective orders and custody work vary by jurisdiction), stable housing, job training, and community support. Agencies and community centers provide many of these services; reaching out is the first step.

You are not alone. Supportive friends, trained advocates, healthcare providers, and legal systems can help survivors find safety and rebuild. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to a trusted person or a professional service today.

  1. Confirm the exact global prevalence statistic and year from the World Health Organization or another authoritative source.
  2. Verify the current phone numbers and TTY for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and thehotline.org contact options.

FAQs about Battered Women

How common is domestic violence?
Globally, about one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
What should I do if someone tells me they are being abused?
Listen without judgment, believe them, maintain confidentiality, offer practical help (a safe place, phone, transport), and assist with contacting a domestic violence agency or hotline for professional support.
What immediate steps can a person take if they are in danger?
Call local emergency services if you are in immediate danger. Use a crisis hotline (in the U.S. call 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org), make a safety plan, preserve evidence if safe, and contact local shelters or advocates for help.
Do hotlines offer options other than phone calls?
Yes. Many hotlines and agencies provide chat, text, email, and in-person services to accommodate different safety needs and accessibility requirements.
What long-term resources can help survivors?
Counseling, legal services (protective orders, custody help), housing assistance, job training, and community support programs can all help survivors rebuild. Local domestic violence agencies can connect you to these services.

News about Battered Women

Domestic violence can affect victims’ brain health for life, study suggests - The Guardian [Visit Site | Read More]

The Feminist Law Professor Who Wants to Stop Arresting People for Domestic Violence - The New Yorker [Visit Site | Read More]

Trump downplays domestic violence in speech about religious freedom - The 19th News [Visit Site | Read More]

Domestic violence against women in Saudi Arabia: A persistent dilemma amidst claims of reform - Arab Reform Initiative [Visit Site | Read More]

Women face harsher punishments when it comes to self-defense laws - American Psychological Association (APA) [Visit Site | Read More]

25 November - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - coe.int [Visit Site | Read More]

Bristol police officer in Queen Camilla's domestic violence film - BBC [Visit Site | Read More]