How You Can Help Just By Using This Site

They say the aim of education is not knowledge, but action, which is why DomesticShelters.org was created last year with the goal of going beyond simply offering information on the topic of domestic violence. Rather, founders hope the site will spur current and would-be supporters against domestic violence to take action.

Below, five ways you can use DomesticShelters.org to help be part of the solution.

1. Point a loved one toward expert advice. When a friend or family member, or maybe even a complete stranger, confides in you that he or she is being abused, you may not know what to say. Often, the best thing you can do is just listen. Then, you can point them the article directory (which is privacy protected) on DomesticShelters.org for a bevy of information and advice from advocates around the country on how to recognize abuse and what survivors can do to keep themselves safe. From tips how to get a personal protection order to learning how to spot domestic violence in seniors, new articles are added each week aimed at both survivors and those who want to help them.

2. Help your teen avoid a violent relationship. Girls as young as 16 are among those at greatest risk of becoming victims of intimate partner violence. Teaching your teens how to avoid and prevent violence in their early dating years is an integral part of stopping the cycle. Find out more information under the “Children and Teens” section of DomesticShelters.org.

3. Sign up for weekly email newsletter. The first step toward prevention of violence is education and awareness of what’s going on. While most of us already have too many emails in our inbox to keep up with, think of signing up for the every Monday e-newsletter from DomesticShelters.org as a dose of do-gooding. Just by reading and staying current in news and information about domestic violence, you’re already supporting. Click here to sign up.

4. Free advertising! Does your local shelter know? Domestic violence help programs are eligible for a free listing on DomesticShelters.org. Considering the site is the fastest growing in the domestic violence arena, seeing thousands of visitors daily, the reach of a nonprofit included within the directory is vast. Nonprofits are already stretched thin—make sure your community’s advocacy groups and shelters know this resource exists. All they need to do is go here to sign up. A How-To video is also available to make it extra simple.

5. Answer one question. Be a part of the collective voice of DomesticShelters.org by taking one of our polls. Your opinion will help shape future content on the site, and importantly, will help ensure your voice is heard as we work to raise awareness on a variety of under-researched domestic violence topics.