How To Help a Friend

Myths About Domestic Violence

“Only certain people get involved in abusive relationships.”

What the research shows:

• No race, culture or class is immune to domestic violence (Campbell et al., 2009; Erez et al. 2009; Grossman & Lundy, 2007)

“Women who are not independent are more likely to end up with abusers.”

What the research shows:

• 51.8% of femicide victims and 42.9% of attempted femicide victims were employed full time (Campbell et al. 2009)
• Women who leave their partners are in more danger than when they are in the abusive relationship; leaving also means poverty, temporary housing and isolation from friends and family (Murray, 2008)

“It takes two to tango – abuse is usually caused by both people.”

• Sayings like this make sense in relationships where both partners have equal power. They do not apply in relationships where one partner uses coercion and fear to take away their partner’s rights.

Here are ways that you can help support ACWS:

• Volunteering in a shelter kitchen or child-care program. 
• Donating gift cards or gently-used goods. Contact a local shelter to find out what they need.
• Making ACWS or a member shelter part of your planned giving. 
• Booking an ACWS Leading Change workshop or training session for your community or workplace.
• Filling a role on the shelter board.
• Attending shelter fundraising events.
• Speaking or writing to your MLA or MP about increasing support to shelters.
  • Find your MLA by address
  • Find your MP by postal code
• Book an ACWS Leading Change workshop or training session for your staff or community.