Help a Victim become a Survivor...Your Response Makes the Difference
Believe + Support + Refer. What would you do if someone approached you with a story of domestic violence? Don't answer too quickly! What you say first is vital to that person's future. Most victims of domestic violence have built up the courage just to mention their situation. What you say next can build the bridge to their future. Believe them... believe in them.  Listen. Don't judge , do not dismiss. Comfort, encourage and refer the individual to River City Domestic Violence Center. Safe immediate shelter and support services are available 24 hours a day.

A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WILL LEAVE AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP AN AVERAGE OF 7 TIMES BEFORE THEY LEAVE FOR GOOD! 
Each time the victim gains more strength.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior in a relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over a partner. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological. Abuse can frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, and injure. Domestic violence can happen to anyone: any race, age, sexual orientation, religion and gender. It can happen to couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and all education levels. Domestic violence is serious, dangerous, and it happens, right here, to people you know.  The Yankton Women's/Children's Center is fighting this problem by offering safe immediate shelter for local victims of domestic violence, and preventing incidents of violence through education and community partnerships.
    
NAME CALLING, ISOLATION, JEALOUSY, CONTROL, PUNISHMENT, THREATS, HUMILIATION, ABANDONMENT, VIOLENCE.
   These are all signs you are in an abusive relationship. Domestic violence should not be a part of anyone's life. Domestic violence is a growing local problem, and anyone can be a victim. There is no class, no status, no culture or age limits. Someone you know may be a victim right now.

Why don't they just leave?

That is a question that is often posed when the issue of domestic violence is brought up. There are many reasons and each one is personal. But the VICTIM of domestic abuse is not responsible for the abuse and is not the cause.  She may have no where to go, she may have no resources, she may be more afraid of leaving than staying. Leaving is the most dangerous time for a victim because the abuser has now lost control and will often resort to violent irrational behaviors to maintain/regain the control. Support and freedom is available at the River City Domestic Violence Center.

Leaving a relationship, no matter how abusive, is never easy. Women who leave often live in poverty. Social and cultural factors contribute to the illusion that staying in a violent relationship is OK. Women often love the men who abuse them. Some women remain emotionally and economically dependent on their batterer despite the fact she faces continued, repeated abuse. Women are at a highest risk of injury and violence when they are separated from their abuser. It takes a long time for a victim to give up hope on a relationship and to recognize that the only way she can be save is to leave. When someone does decide to leave their relationship, give them your support- either individually, or by supporting your River City Domestic Violence Center.

Domestic Violence Myths...

Domestic violence is not a problem here.
Domestic Violence is caused by alcohol and drug abuse.
Domestic Violence is a personal problem.
If it were that bad... she would just leave.
ALL UNTRUE. Domestic violence is a problem here and now. Victims are from every age group, educational level, and economic class. They could be your neighbor, your associate, your friend, or family.