Help Others

Listen Believe Refer

Listen without judging. Don’t focus on what you would do in her situation or how you would “fix” things. Don’t blame her for the abuse. Respect her decisions, including the decision to remain in the relationship.

Believe what she says. Never minimize the abuse. Do not try to erase her fear by downplaying the danger with comments like “I’m sure he wouldn’t carry out his threat”. Believe that she is in fear. Believe she is doing the best she can.

Refer them to a resource like us. Be a good source of information. Sharing info about community resources like Womanshelter/Companeras lets her know her options exist and she is not alone. Give these important hotline numbers:

Volunteers

We offer you the exciting challenge of making a difference to many as a Womanshelter/Compañeras volunteer. As a volunteer you develop and enhance skills in case management, advocacy, listening, fundraising and decision making.

Remember, we all win when we work together to end violence. If you would like more information please contact us or fill out this form (Microsoft Word format) and e-mail it to us.

Men’s Initiative

Inspiration for the Men’s Initiative at Womanshelter/Compañeras grew out of requests we received from men exploring ways to contribute time and energy to our organization as well as our belief that men must be involved in the movement to end domestic violence. Through a grant from the Haymarket People’s fund we are thrilled to begin the Men’s Initiative in the Fall of 2002. Womanshelter/Compañeras advocates prevention through education and community organizing. As a result, the Men’s Initiative will concentrate primarily on educating men and boys in our communities about relationship violence. The Initiative will be effective because it provides an opportunity for men to engage other men through events, printed materials, and presentations. Participants will have creative control of the Initiative and will be able to identify and fill needs in the community. If you are interested in being part of the Men’s Initiative at Womanshelter/Compañeras please contact us for more information.

Here are some links to other sites with information for men:

www.dadsanddaughters.org
A website promoting positive fatherhood and advocating that dads take an active, supporting role in their daughters’ lives.

www.mensresourcecenter.org
This organization explores male-positive, pro-feminist, gay affirmative, anti-racist issues and ideas.

www.mencanstoprape.org
This group works to organize men to stop sexual violence.