It can be difficult to open up to a stranger – even a stranger who wants to help you! When you enter a mentoring relationship, you have a right to know some things about your mentor. Our Survivors’ Mentors do not give out their last names or personal information unrelated to domestic violence and abuse. However, you can ask questions through email that will help you feel more comfortable with them anytime you like.

What is important for you to know? Prepare to interview your mentor by knowing what you want to ask her or him. Here are some common questions you may want to know the answers to up front:

Experience With Abuse

• How long were you in an abusive relationship?
• What types of abuse did you experience?
• What convinced you to leave? Did you try to work it out before leaving?

Education/Experience

• How much time have you spent working with victims of abuse?
• What have you learned from them?
• How do you stay on top of your education?
• What methods do you favor using to help people overcome abuse?

Parenting

• Do you have children? How old are they?
• Did they live with your abuser? What were the family dynamics?
• How do you educate them about abuse?

Spirituality/Religion

• Do you feel close to God or your higher power? Do you feel comfortable talking with people outside of your religion or beliefs?
• Are you able to understand differing viewpoints on religion?

Other

• What are your views on our society’s morals and/or actions?
• Are you familiar with my culture?
• Does it bother you that my abuser was the same sex as me?
• Do you value my privacy? How?