How can you help someone you think may be in an abusive relationship?
Posted on 1st August 2024 at 12:06
If you suspect that a person you have contact with is in a domestic abuse relationship, it can be difficult to know how to approach this with them.
Several factors can impact upon this such as your connection to the person, and the responsibility that you have to them and to others involved.
It can be helpful to start by asking them how they are, allowing the individual time and space to respond. It might be appropriate to say that you have noticed something that has made you feel concerned. Ensure that this is communicated in a non-threatening manner, and where possible, in a place that the individual feels comfortable and allows for their privacy to be upheld.
An individual beginning to recognise and acknowledge that what they are experiencing is domestic abuse can be a difficult and painful process, involving various complexities that are personal to the individual and their circumstances. When a person does open up about their experience of domestic abuse, it is often a significant step in the journey towards becoming free of abuse.
The best way to help someone initially is to offer a non-judgemental ear, and to listen to what the person wants the next step to be without attempting to influence using our own feelings and opinions. This will help the individual to feel respected and empowered to make decisions for themselves in their own time.
If and when the individual states that they are ready to seek support, it can be helpful to signpost them to relevant local domestic abuse organisations that will be able to then offer further guidance.
If there are safeguarding implications due to children being involved this can change how the situation needs to be approached. It is always best to be transparent with an individual if you have a duty of care to report any concerns to children’s safeguarding. Again, this should be communicated in a non-threatening way ensuring that the individual understands that it comes from a place of concern, rather than making them feel blamed or judged.
If you would like to talk to someone about domestic abuse, you can contact our 24-hour helpline on 01482 446099
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