DO's

1. Let all your friends know that violence is not OK.
2. Be careful how you approach your friend; telling them they are wrong or need to stop may endanger their partner even more.
3. Make it known what you think makes a good relationship.
4. Talk about how important respect, equality, and non-violence is in a relationship.
5. If your friend admits they are abusive, offer to help them find someone specialized in abuse to talk to.
6. Talk to an adult, parent, teacher, counselor, or crisis center staff about what is going on.
7. Talk about your own partner in a positive way.
8. Talk about the ways in which you express respect and equality in your relationships.
9. Tell the person over and over that being abusive is a CHOICE, and that there are alternatives to being abusive. Let them know that their partner does not need to change in order for them to stop being abusive.
10. If you witness an assault, do not put yourself in danger by trying to get involved. Call 911 if you witness an assault.

1. Don't point out particular times they treated their partners badly; this may increase the risk to that partner afterward.
2. Don't give or loan your friend any weapons or allow them to use your things in order to control their partner; for example, use your cell phone to continually check up on their partner, your car so they can follow their partner.
3. When they talk about their partner in a negative way, do not act as though it's OK; do not agree with them, laugh, or say nothing indicating you think it's OK.
4. Don't try to act as a go-between or referee for the couple. You could make the situation more dangerous for the victim and may be putting yourself in danger.
5. Don't tell jokes or stories that make abuse seem OK.
6. Don't make excuses for their behavior.