Lilah Smith Safe House provides free services to adult survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and their minor children. We offer emergency shelter, advocacy, case management, safety planning, support groups, prevention education, and more. Call our hotline anytime, day or night, to speak to an advocate about services.

• Her abuser seems to have the final say in every decision and she appears reluctant/fearful to give a final answer

• You realize she does not have any access to her own financial means.

• She appears fearful of any sort of confrontation.

• She tends to minimize words and/or behaviors in the relationship that seem inappropriate or abusive to you.

1. Believe her - "What is happening in your relationship that is not okay?"

2. Don't blame her - "This is not your fault."

3. Help her begin to think about safety - "Lets talk about how I can help."

4. Refer her to Lilah Smith Safe House - "Lilah Smith Safe House can help you. You can call their 24 Hour Hotline anytime for support."

5. Continue to provide support - "This must fell real scary. I'm here for you through this process, no matter what."

Domestic violence isn't an argument every once in a while or a fight that got out of control; it is a pattern of violent behavior that one person uses to extert power and control over another. It can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, religion, level of education, economic background or sexual orientation. Abuse is NOT always physical. It can also be verbal, emotional, financial, sexual or even spiritual.

Being abused is not your fault. Every abusive situation is complex and you are the expert on your own situation. Listen to your instinct about what feels safe, and know that you don't have to do this alone. At Lilah Smith Safe House, we walk next to you to create a customized safety plan for you and your family's specific circumstances.