Advocacy

Many years ago I had the privilege of attending a conference in Charlotte, NC where Sarah Buel was the keynote speaker. She gave some excellent advice to people who counsel battered women.

Sarah Buel suggested using the following questions:
1. What do you want to see happen?
2. What worries you most?
3. What can I do to help you?
4. What would you like to do when this is over?
5. Is ther anything that I should have asked you?

The theme running through these questions is the wants/needs/desires of the battered woman. Advocacy can bring the answers to the surface that are already residing within the person.

I especially like the question, "What would you like to do when this is over?" It means that as an advocate, you believe the nightmare of abuse can end for this person. It helps victims to visualize their life after an abusive relationship.