Report violence and do not look away
Some people believe that it is better to ignore violence and not report it. This may work in some cases, but it can also lead to serious consequences. Do not ignore violence – instead talk about what you have seen or experienced. Show other people that violence is not a solution. Talk to someone you trust if you have witnessed or experienced violence yourself. This can be a friend, family member, teacher or counsellor. Tell them exactly what happened and how it felt. This will help you to process the situation and feel better. It is also important that you encourage other people to talk about violence. The more people talk about it, the more likely society will change. Violence is not acceptable and should not be tolerated. If more people talk about it and report it, this will change in the future.
Seek help if you are threatened or hurt
If you feel that you are in a violent situation or are in danger, you should seek help immediately. Call the police or another emergency hotline. Also seek help from friends, family or neighbours. If you have been injured, be sure to see a doctor. If you are in an abusive relationship, you can go to a counselling centre. There you can get support and help to end the relationship. There are also many organisations that offer special programmes for women affected by domestic violence. It is important that you know that you are not alone and that help is available. No one has the right to hurt or threaten you. Seek help if you are in such a situation.
Do not hit back or insult
Violence is never the right solution. If you are in a situation where you feel threatened or attacked, you should try to defuse the situation and not hit back. Insults or threats can only make the situation worse. Instead, you should try to talk to the aggressor and convince him that there is no reason to become violent. If you find yourself in a violent situation, it can be helpful to follow some tips to defuse the situation:
- Adopt a reassuring posture and speak in a calm tone of voice.
- Avoid looking the aggressor in the eye or challenging him.
- Listen carefully to what the aggressor is saying and try to understand his or her point of view.
- Do not address the aggressor by name – this may provoke him.
- Try to show the attacker ways out without threatening or attacking him.
- Stay as calm and composed as possible and avoid escalating the situation further.
Know escape routes
If you are threatened with a violent situation, it is important that you know escape routes. First, you should try to defuse the situation and resolve the conflict. If this is not possible or the situation escalates, you should go to a safe place and call for help. If you find yourself in a violent situation, it is important that you know what to do. Stay calm and try to defuse the situation. If this is not possible or the situation escalates, you should go to a safe place as soon as possible and call for help. Do you know the way to the nearest police station? Where is the nearest emergency number? What number do you have to dial? Inform yourself in advance about the necessary steps so that you can act quickly in an emergency.