How Can I Help?

The following are some ways you can get involved with the domestic violence movement. All levels of involvement are vital to raise awareness and educate the public. Thank you for your time and if you have any questions or would like further information please contact the YWCA Domestic Violence Services Program at 205-322-HURT [4878]

1. Educate yourself!
Help a friend or family member by educating yourself as to warning signs, safety planning, available resources, etc. so you can offer these life saving tools to those around you. The YW's website is a great resource to learn the dynamics of domestic violence and the services offered here. We also offer a wide variety of quality links for further study.

2 .Educate Others!
Now that you're a domestic violence advocate start educating those around you. Hang DV posters in the bathroom at your church, school, office and hair salon. Post the crisis line #s there too-322-HURT [4878] and the toll-free AL statewide number: 1-800-650-6522. Place a domestic violence bumper sticker on your car that says "There's NO excuse for abuse" or some other DV awareness slogan. Wear a purple ribbon or button that says "Talk to me about family violence." These items are available at the YWCA or you can purchase them online through the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence online stores. Invite your hair stylist to become involved with the Cut It Out Program, an initiative to train stylists to recognize signs of abuse and to offer DV resources to clients. Talk to children and teens about distinguishing healthy and unhealthy relationships-it's never too soon to teach a child to respect others and that they deserve respect. Invite one of our staff members to come speak at your next civic, school, church or work meeting.

3 Do your homework!
Where does your representative or candidate stand on DV issues? If you don't know you who your state and US representatives are, you can find those reps by going to the following websites. Take action and contact your state and US reps and let them know how you feel!

Find your State House and Senate Representatives

Find your US House Representative

Find your US Senator


4. Take Action!
If you aren't the type to cold call your reps then join an action alert email list. When you sign up to one of these lists they will notify you when something needs extra attention and will even do the leg work--with a simple click of the button a fax or email will be sent straight to your rep. A good DV specific list is the Family Violence Prevention Fund's at http://www.endabuse.org The FVPF also has a list of current legislative alerts and updates on their website. NOW has a good list that takes in the broader scope of women's issues.

5. Step Up!
Be part of social change. Don't tolerate "victim blaming." If you hear a comment such as "It's her fault, why doesn't she just leave him?" take the time to dispute that myth and educate the person who said it. This may seem like an insignificant thing that is easy to ignore, but it makes a positive statement to inform others about why she does stay and the obstacles keeping her from leaving her abuser. The more people we educate the sooner society will change and you just may help create a new advocate while you're at it!

6. Get Involved!
The YW's Domestic Violence Program offers many ways to get involved. You can donate your old cell phone to be used as an emergency 911 phone. You can donate clothes, household necessities, toys and books for the women and children who have fled their abusive homes for safe shelter. You can give a monetary donation to further our programs. It only takes $125 a month to provide shelter, food, clothing, transportation, counseling and advocacy for one victim and her children. And you can volunteer your time on the crisis line or with other special projects. For further information on volunteering, to make a cash donation or to get a copy of the shelter needs list contact us at 322-HURT.