Published October 18. 2014 09:01AM
Over the past several years, initiatives have been working to get bystanders involved to help stop domestic and sexual violent situations from occurring.
They include speaking up when someone says something inappropriate, interrupting the situation by asking a question or asking how they would feel if the action was happening to them.There are other things friends and family members can do.Devon Fritz, Carbon County counselor with the Domestic Violence Service Center, said that if you notice a friend or family member withdrawing from gatherings, not doing their normal routine, hiding things or going to the hospital because they fell and got hurt, they may need help because they may be a victim.The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence states that if you see someone being abused, you should:• Speak up.• Call the police and report it.• Ask the person if they need someone to talk to and explain that there is free and confidential help available.• Offer a ride to a shelter or to baby-sit so the person can go get help.• Call a domestic violence hotline, such as the Domestic Violence Service Center, and speak with an advocate who can help give advice and options that are available for the victim.