Domestic abuse is a very serious concern and many people suffer violence within their home. They may find it very difficult to open up about their experiences. Domestic abuse can occur between any relationship whether it is an abusive partner or violence from a family member.
If you are aware that somebody is a victim of domestic abuse it is vital that you support them. There are multiple ways you can do this.
Emotional Support
As a friend or family member it is important that if you suspect a person is experiencing domestic violence that you can start the conversation and express your concerns. Often people struggle to tell others about their traumatic home life, especially if the abuser in the relationship is threatening. Giving them the opportunity to speak about this is a good start to helping them on their path to refuge.
Provide Reassurance
Another great tool to help someone you know suffering from domestic violence is reassuring them that it is not their fault. Victims often feel a sense of guilt or shame, so it is important to be a source of support.
Leaving the Relationship
Encouraging the person to leave the abusive relationship allows them to feel that they have options other than to stay in the relationship and feel a sense of outside support. However, it is necessary to respect their choices as leaving an abusive home is not an easy decision for some people but still be supportive regardless.
Physical Support
Offering a victim resources such as a place to stay and financial support is a great way to help a friend or family member. Domestic violence can often occur in different forms other than physical violence such as financial control. Offering them a safe space to live without the worries of money gives the victim a higher chance of removing the abuse from their life.
Safety Planning For Abusive Situations
Safety planning is essential for victims of domestic abuse especially if the abuser is physically violent. Help your friend or family member to create a discrete ‘getaway bag’. The bag should contain things such as money, clothing and important documents. This is useful so they have things prepared if they need to leave immediately.
Report the Assault if its Excessive
If the person experiencing abuse is a young adult or child, talk to them about the people they can alert. If the abuse gets excessive and teach them to call 999 or child platforms such as Childline. If the person walks or uses public transport when leaving school or work, make plans to go home with them so they are not alone. Perhaps allow them to use your own email or telephone number to make sure that the abuser is not aware that the victim has reported the abuse.
Talking to Others
Try to encourage them to make as many people aware of the abuse as possible. People such as their boss or teacher who can ensure their safety at work or school. Also have a planned secret safe word which they can use to discreetly tell you that they need urgent help without alerting the abuser to any suspicion.
Physical Injuries From Being Threatened or Beaten
Advise them to make an appointment with their GP if they have suffered physical injuries and attend the appointment with them.
Speaking to a GP
Try to encourage them to tell their GP how these injuries were sustained. This is because the GP will be able to log these issues into the system and even get further help. Going to a GP can also work for victims suffering mental and emotional abuse. This is because they may be prescribed medications, especially if they are suffering from depression and anxiety.
Seek Legal Help
Take legal action. Here at Maria Fogg Family Law we can provide victims with legal advice on how they can protect themselves and their children. For example, we can apply for Non-Molestation Orders which are injunctions that prevent the abuser from harassing or threatening them. It can prevent the abuser attending the victims home or place of work.
Emergency Support
In cases of emergencies, these orders can be obtained from the Court quickly. Legal Aid is available to all victims of domestic violence who require a Non-Molestation Order.
Platforms
There are multiple platforms that provide help for anyone suffering from domestic violence. As a friend or family member you can direct the person to one of these platforms.
Abuse Helplines
There are so many hotlines, websites and community centres that can help anyone in need. There are platforms that cater to specific groups of people for example Women’s Aid is a great platform that helps women suffering from domestic violence. Similarly, Childline is another platform that helps children who also suffer from violence at home. There are also other general platforms that cater to anyone experiencing domestic violence such as Adviceline (0800 144 8848).
Therapy and Support Groups
Local community centres are also avenues for victims. Time To Talk is an NHS funded therapy centre in which victims of domestic abuse can talk to professional therapists. They can discuss their experiences and can advise ways to help. Similarly, there are also local domestic abuse centres all around the country and multiple centres in Liverpool and Knowsley.
Contacting the Police
The police have specially trained departments to deal with victims of abuse and they also provide support in other ways. Advise your friend or family member to try to get to a lockable room where a phone is available. This is so they can call the police if the violence becomes an immediate threat.
There is Always a Way Out
The most important thing to remember is that there is always a method to escape domestic abuse. There are so many people and agencies who can help.
