There is a likelihood that you will know somebody who is experiencing domestic abuse. There are lots of ways you can help, including:
- listen, try to understand and do not blame them - tell them that they are not alone and that there are many others in similar situations
- acknowledge that it takes strength to trust someone enough to talk to them about experiencing abuse - give them time to talk, but don’t push them to go into too much detail if they don’t want to
- acknowledge that they are in a frightening and very difficult situation
- tell them that no one deserves to be threatened or abused, despite what their abuser has told them - nothing they can do or say can justify the abuser’s behaviour
- allow them to make their own decisions, they have been controlled enough
- don’t tell them to leave the relationship if they are not ready - this has to be their decision
- if they have injuries, encourage them to seek medical advice
- encourage them to report the abuse to the police
- offer support if they want to access domestic abuse services
- encourage them to seek legal advice on matters to ensure they are fully informed of their options
- discuss a safety plan
- remember to look after yourself during this time as it can have an emotional impact on you and ensure that you do not put yourself into any dangerous situations