Do you have concerns about someone else? The chances are that you maybe know someone, maybe a sibling, parent, friend or colleague that is going through domestic abuse. Unless they are very open about their experiences, it may be difficult to acknowledge there is a problem.
Below is some advice on how to give support if you are worried about someone who confides in you about their experiences of domestic abuse.
If they have given you permission, and it is safe to do so you may also make a referral on behalf of them here: www.valleyhouse.com/domesticabuse and Valley House will help to put together a plan of action or give further advice.
How you can help if you are worried someone else may be suffering from domestic abuse?
Listen, understand their point of view and don’t blame them. Tell them that you are there to support them and they are not alone, there are many others in the same situation.
Acknowledge, it is really hard to trust someone about experiencing abuse. Give them time to talk and don’t push them to go into too much detail.
Understand, that they are in a frightening and very difficult situation.
Don’t tell them to leave the relationship if they are not ready to. It's their decision.
Ask if they have been the victim of any physical harm. If they have, offer to go with them to the hospital or GP. Don't pressure or force them if they don't want to go.
Offer to help them to report the incident to the police if they choose to.
Be ready! To provide information on organisation like Valley House ( 0800 328 9084 ) or National Domestic Violence Helpline ( 0808 2000 247 ) if they need it.
- Go with them to visit a solicitor, if they are ready to take this step.
- Let them create their own boundaries of what they think is safe and what is not safe; don’t urge them to follow any strategies that they express doubt about.
- Offer your friend the use of your address and/or telephone number to leave information and messages, and tell them you will look after an emergency bag for them, if they want this.
- Make sure to look after yourself while you are supporting someone through such a difficult and emotional time.
- Ensure that you do not put yourself into a dangerous situation; for example, do not offer to talk to the abuser about your friend or let yourself be seen by the abuser as a threat to their relationship.
Find out more about how Valley House can help - Domestic Abuse
