- Volunteer your time at a domestic violence agency.
Agencies have many needs and not enough money for staff members. House of Ruth can benefit from volunteer help in our Shelter and Children’s Program, with our Hotline, in our administrative and fundraising departments, and with Community Education and Outreach.
- Give money to a domestic violence program.
Battered women’s shelters often do not have enough money to meet the community’s demand. House of Ruth is a United Way agency, so please designate us when you make your United Way contribution. Find out if your company has a matching gifts program. Your donation of a car or cell phone also converts into money for our agency.
- Become knowledgeable about domestic violence.
Learn the facts about domestic violence, and help to dispel myths and misinformation. Be prepared to explain the cycle of violence and why women often stay in abusive relationships. Some books you can start with are: “The Battered Woman” by Lenore Walker, “Battered Wives” by Del Martin, and “Getting Free” by Ginny NiCarthy. Also encourage your library and local bookstores to carry books on domestic violence.
- Be supportive when a battered woman tells her story.
Let her know that you are there for her emotionally and will listen to her.
- Don’t judge battered women’s experiences.
For people who haven’t experienced domestic violence, stories of abuse can sound like fantasy. Battered women need to know that they can talk about their experiences without people judging or not believing them.
- Participate in legislationthat affects domestic violence victims and survivors.
Write your legislators and ask them to introduce and support laws that help battered women.
- Ask a domestic violence agency to provide a presentation for your organization or workplace.
Most agencies have speakers who will discuss domestic violence issues and their services. House of Ruth does presentations for adults, teenagers, and children.
- Organize your business or group to have a food, paper goods, or toy drive.
These items are in constant demand at shelters. Children who go to shelter often leave all their possessions behind. A new toy or stuffed animal is something that can help them feel secure in their new surroundings. During the Holidays especially, House of Ruth seeks donations of new toys and gifts for mothers.
- Volunteer to help in House of Ruth’s Outreach Offices.
During business hours, House of Ruth needs help with typing, filing, answering phones, copying, and other administrative tasks.
- Organize your business or group to do a fundraiser for House of Ruth or another domestic violence agency. Plan a fund-drive, an event, a benefit concert/show, or other fundraiser to aid battered women.
- Donate your professional skills to a domestic violence program.
Programs are always in need of legal, medical, dental, and other professional services. Often, battered women don’t have the money to pay for these services and need them desperately.
- Work toward removing obstacles that battered women encounter.
One reason that battered women have to stay in abusive relationships is because they find many obstacles in getting legal, financial, and housing assistance. Ask an agency what obstacles prevent battered women to leave in your area and try to change them. Some ideas may include the designation of one courtroom that just deals with temporary restraining orders, securing HUD (Housing and Urban Development) certificates and Section 8 housing for battered women, or providing job listings and training.
- Refer battered women to House of Ruth.
Carry hotline cards or brochures with you. Place them in public places.
- Teach children about healthy relationships and about abuse.
Violence is a learned behavior, and it is best unlearned at an early age. If we don’t educate children and teens about abuse, they might become victims or perpetrators of it.
- Ask your local police department about their policies on domestic violence.
Ask about current arrest statistics. Be informed.
- Ask your local medical clinic or hospital to post information on domestic violence.
Suggest they have brochures and hotline cards in examination rooms where battered women can see them.
- Be aware of sexist jokes and remarks.
Some of these reinforce the myths about it being OK to abuse your partner.
- Boycott or demand a refund of movies that display violence against women.
Explain to the theater manager why you will not financially support such movies.
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