Help Stop Relationship Violence

Action Steps for Women

Action steps women can take to prevent relatioship violence

Liz Claiborne Inc.'s ongoing anti-abuse campaign—Love Is Not Abuse —communicates a simple but powerful and indisputable message: a loving relationship should never involve abusive or violent behavior.

This is a problem that won't go away until everyone is aware of what they can do to prevent it. Don't stand on the sidelines—stand up.

Think about relationship abuse as a major social problem that touches the lives of women of all social, economic and racial backgrounds. Focus on the ways in which you, as an empowered bystander, can support at-risk women and girls and confront abusive men.

If you are being emotionally, psychologically or physically abused in an intimate relationship, or have been in the past, seek professional help now. If you suspect that your sister, friend, co-worker or neighbor is being abused, let her know you're there to support her.

Familiarize yourself with the resources for women in your community, including women's centers, counseling centers and health service organizations. Be a positive resource for women close to you by sharing information and making appropriate referrals.

Support women and men who are working to end men's violence against women. Get involved with a local women's organization. If you belong to a community group, organize a fundraiser to benefit battered women's shelters and rape crisis centers.

Help to educate and empower girls not to tolerate abuse or sexism. Get involved with youth outreach and mentoring programs in local high schools and middle schools.

If you need help or know someone who does, call the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 866-331-9474 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE.

Find out more about Liz Claiborne Inc.'s Love Is Not Abuse campaign

How teens can stand up against relationship violence

Published 03/12/2009