If you think that someone's experiencing domestic abuse the best thing to do is to be there to provide help and support. But it's also important not to draw too much attention to how you're helping them as this could trigger more abuse.
Here's how you can help:
- Listen, try to understand and take care not to blame. Tell them they are not alone and that others are in the same situation.
- Acknowledge that it takes strength to trust someone enough to talk about the abuse. Don’t push them to give you details and give them time to talk.
- Encourage them to express their feelings, whatever they are, and allow them to make their own decisions.
- Offer to go to the hospital or GP with them if they have been hurt.
- Help them to report the abuse to the police if they choose to do this.
- Give them information about organisations that can help. You can also give them your phone or computer so they can get advice online without the risk of being caught.
- Help them to make a safety plan if they choose to leave and keep things safe for them, like an emergency bag.
- Make sure you look after yourself while you're supporting someone who's experiencing domestic abuse. Don't offer to talk to the person committing the abuse or let yourself be seen by them as a threat to their relationship.
- Be there for your friend or relative as much as you can, but make sure you don't put yourself at risk too.
If you don't have a close relationship with the person, local and national support agencies can offer advice on how to help them.
Support for our customers
Call us on 0300 456 2531 during office hours or email SafeguardingandDomesticAbuse@futureshg.co.uk if you’re worried that one of our customers is experiencing domestic abuse.
Please bear in mind that noise disturbances / arguments might be due to someone experiencing domestic abuse not anti-social behaviour.
