The Helper's Helper

About this book

Sometimes, the person helping needs support too.

When someone you love is living in an abusive relationship, knowing they need help is the easy part. Knowing how to help without pushing too hard, saying the wrong thing, or accidentally making things more dangerous is where it gets complicated.

The Helper's Helper is a practical, compassionate guide for the friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, advocates, educators, and everyday people standing beside someone experiencing abuse. Written by survivor and advocate Dawna D. Smith, it goes beyond telling you to believe her or encouraging her to leave. It helps you understand what she may be experiencing, why leaving isn't always simple, and what you can actually do to help.

Inside, you'll learn

• What to say when she's frightened, angry, overwhelmed, grieving, or thinking about going back.
• How to help create a safety plan without taking control away from her.
• How to document incidents, preserve evidence, and prepare to be a reliable witness.
• How to help protect children, pets, finances, communication, and personal information.
• What to do when she calls in the middle of a crisis.
• How to prepare for leaving day and the first critical hours afterward.
• When to step in, when to stay close, and when to call for emergency help.
• How to protect your own well-being while supporting someone else.

You'll also find worksheets, checklists, safety notices, scripts, and planning tools to help you turn good intentions into meaningful support.

Paperback, 126 pages. Description as shown on the book's Amazon page, where the full title is "The Helper's Helper: What to Do When Somebody You Love Is in an Abusive Relationship."

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