October 12, 2004

EAST LANSING - This month, the Michigan State Police is seeking to educate citizens regarding domestic violence and the resources available to friends and family to help support victims.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior in which one person uses physical, sexual, or emotional abuse to control another person. In 2002, there were 55,093 reported victims of domestic violence and 73 reported murders related to domestic violence in Michigan.

If you know someone who is being abused, you can help him or her by:

• Educating yourself about domestic violence by seeking information from Web sites and support groups
• Remembering there is no "quick fix" to domestic violence
• Making sure the victim knows you believe them
• Listening attentively
• Not blaming the victim for what happened to them
• Taking the victim’s fears seriously and expressing sincere concern
• Not making judgements
• Reminding the victim that what has occurred is not their fault

For more information on local domestic violence support services, visit the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Web site at www.mcadsv.org or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.