When a domestic violence Survivor speaks out, everyone suddenly has something to say.“She should’ve left.”“Why didn’t she tell anyone?”“What did
When a domestic violence Survivor speaks out, everyone suddenly has something to say.
“She should’ve left.”
“Why didn’t she tell anyone?”
“What did she do to provoke it?”
“I knew something was off.”
“I would never let that happen to me.”
“Well, I heard there’s more to the story…”
So much noise. So little help.
But here’s the truth:
You don’t need to be a therapist, lawyer, or expert to be useful.
You just need to be compassionate.
You just need to care.
Let’s trade judgment for justice.
Let’s trade opinion for offering.
💬 30 Things You Can Say to a Survivor That Are Actually Helpful
“I believe you.”
“I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
“You didn’t deserve any of it.”
“This was not your fault.”
“You were not wrong for loving someone.”
“What happened to you was wrong.”
“You’re allowed to take all the time you need.”
“There’s no timeline for healing.”
“Your fear is valid.”
“You are not crazy.”
“I’m proud of you for surviving.”
“Thank you for trusting me with this.”
“You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.”
“You are not alone.”
“You matter. Your story matters.”
“It took a lot of courage to speak up.”
“You are not too broken.”
“You are not a burden.”
“I’m here to listen. No judgment.”
“You’re allowed to have complicated feelings.”
“You’re still lovable.”
“You were never too much. They were not enough.”
“Your body belongs to you.”
“You don’t owe anyone your silence.”
“Leaving is hard. I respect your strength.”
“You are still whole—even if you don’t feel like it.”
“There’s nothing wrong with needing help.”
“You have the right to boundaries.”
“You get to choose what happens next.”
“You are worthy of compassion. Always.”
🤲🏾 10 Questions to Ask That Make You Actually Useful
“What do you need most right now?”
“Would it help to just sit together in silence for a bit?”
“Can I walk with you through this—literally or emotionally?”
“Do you want me to go with you to the appointment/court/shelter?”
“Would you like help finding resources?”
“Is there someone safe I can call for you?”
“How can I help you feel more in control?”
“Is this a good time for support, or do you need space?”
“What can I take off your plate this week?”
“Would it feel good to do something normal—like cook, watch a show, laugh?”
🌿 Let This Be the Shift
They got so much things to say.
Let us be the ones saying something that actually helps.
Because Survivors don’t need your opinion.
They need your care.
They need your presence.
They need your love without conditions.
Let your words be a shelter—not another storm.
#WeSurviveAbuse
#BelieveSurvivors
#SayWhatMatters
#TheyGotSoMuchThingsToSay
#CompassionOverCruelty
#SupportWithoutJudgment
