Join LCC’s Office of Student Compliance and the MSU Center for Survivors for Cocoa with a Cause, a conversation and awareness event.

Oct. 21
Noon–2 p.m.
Downtown Campus, Gannon Building, Room 2214

☕ Warm drinks. Meaningful conversations. Spread awareness.

 

Domestic violence is a pattern of learned behavior in which one person uses physical, sexual and emotional abuse to control another person. Domestic violence is not a family matter. It is a crime!

What can you do to help someone who is being abused? The Michigan State Police provide the following suggestions:

• Educate yourself about domestic violence.
• Let go of any expectations you have that there is a "quick fix" to domestic violence or to the obstacles a person faces. Understand that someone’s "inaction" may very well be their best safety strategy at any given time.
• Believe the abused and let them know that you do.
• Listen to what they tell you and avoid making judgments.
• Validate their feelings.
• Avoid victim blaming. Tell them the abuse is not their fault.
• Take their fears seriously. If you are concerned about their safety, express your concern without judgment by saying, "Your situation sounds dangerous and I'm concerned for your safety."
• Support their decisions. Remember there are risks attached to every decision an abused individual makes. If you truly want to help, be patient and respectful, even if you don't agree.

Learn more from the Michigan State Police website, and join us at Cocoa with a Cause on Oct. 21.