Greetings from the Orange County Family Violence Council.

QUESTION
If someone asks you, "Why doesn't s/he just leave?", the most helpful response an ally of family violence survivors can give is:

A. Give the person a dirty look;
B. Lecture the person on how her question is not politically correct;
C. Text your friend, "You won't believe what this lady just asked me"; or
D. Say, "There's a fantastic conference on November 4 on that issue. Why don't we go together and find out?"

ANSWER
Of the above choices, D is the most helpful response.

You might also say, "I'm glad you asked. The victim may have many reasons, including depression, shame, and lack of resources. Some abusers tell their victims, 'If you leave, I'll hurt/kill you, the kids, your parents, your brother ...' " We still have a lot to learn about helping abuse victims get to safety. What do you think might help them?"

At the conference on November 4, experts will provide more in-depth answers to these and other common questions in the field family violence prevention and treatment. We hope you can join us or send your staff or volunteers.

This event is approved for 6.0 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education Credit by the State Bar of California. UC Irvine School of Law is a State Bar-approved MCLE provider.

Seating is limited, so RSVP now at Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/identifying-understanding-and-breaking-the-cycle-of-generational-violence-tickets-27138449834

Thank you for your support,

Orange County Family Violence Council