PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Experts say that domestic violence often starts with isolation from family and friends. That isolation can leave survivors feeling alone and unsupported.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 10 On Your Side is dedicated to helping break the cycle of abuse. All month long, we’ll share facts, tips and resources so you can help break the cycle of domestic violence, too.

So, what can you do if someone you love tells you they’re being abused?

Leslie Jingluski with the Avalon Center says it’s important to believe them and validate their feelings — so they know they aren’t alone.

“The most important thing you can do as a friend, as a family member, as a resource for that person is validation. Many times you will have a survior of domestic violence talk about things, and they’re seeking validation and I think that validation is important to understand that your gut is important. Your gut feelings are there for a reason. It’s animalistic. It’s a protection mode,” said Jingluski, the community engagement coordinator for the Avalon Center.

Next, Jingluski says it’s important to empower your survivor with resources such as the phone number to a national, state, or area domestic violence hotline.

Avalon Center in Williamsburg

Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence

  • Hotline number: 757-787-1329
  • Offers: emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis hotline, individual counseling, safety planning, children’s services, legal advocacy, accompaniment during hospital visits and court appearances and support groups to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  • Website: escadv.org

Samaritan House Inc. in Virginia Beach

  • Phone: 757-631-0710
  • Offers counseling, emergency shelter placement and safety planning.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-430-2120

H.E.R. Shelter in Portsmouth

The Genieve Shelter in Suffolk

  • Phone: 757-925-4365
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • Crisis Hotline 757-705-2025 or 757-353-1439
  • Contáctanos para ayuda inmediata 1-800-969-4673
  • Website: thegenieveshelter.org

Transitions Family Violence Services in Hampton

  • Phone: 757-722-2261
  • Offers emergency shelter, crisis services, court advocacy, and counseling.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-723-7774
  • Website: transitionsfvs.org

YWCA South Hampton Roads in Norfolk

  • Phone: 757-625-4248
  • Offers emergency shelter and crisis services.
  • 24-hour Crisis Hotline 757-251-0144
  • Website: ywca-shr.org

National Human Trafficking Task Force Hotline: 1-888-3737-888.  

Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force: 757-430-2120

Blue Campaign to bring an end to Human Trafficking

Prevent Child Abuse America – Coronavirus Resources & Tips for Parents, Children & Others.

Child abuse and neglect are serious problems that can have lasting harmful effects on its victims. For more information on preventing child abuse and neglect check out resources from the CDC, or call The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 for help.

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