Jason S. Miyares
Attorney General of Virginia

Domestic Violence: Take a Look. Take a Stand.

Seventy-four percent (74%) of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault  report that they seek help from family and friends. 

Take a Look. Take a Stand. is a public awareness initiative that provides information on the signs of domestic violence and guidance on what you can do to help friends and family experiencing abuse.

Take a Look: Spot the Signs of Abuse

  • Injuries inconsistent with the explanation given
  • Absences from work or school
  • Changes in personality
  • Excessive jealousy or possessiveness
  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Harming of children or pets
  • Threats against the partner or family

Other signs include:

  • Injuries in various stages of healing
  • Substance abuse
  • Anxiety and depression 

Take a Stand:  What to Do in Abusive Situations

For Victims:  ALTER

  • Approach: Talk to victims in a non-judgmental way. Be patient & respect their privacy.
  • Listen: Don’t try to solve the problem yourself.
  • Talk: Tell them that it is not their fault. 
  • Encourage: State that domestic violence tends only to get worse if nothing is done to stop it.
  • Refer: Tell victims about the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline.

For Abusers: AIM

  • Approach:Talk to abusers about their behavior that you believe is abusive.
  • Inform:  Let abusers know that their behavior is unacceptable and that domestic violence is a crime.  Do not accept excuses.
  • Motivate: Tell abusers that they can change their behavior and that assistance is available from certified batterer intervention programs (BIPs).