How to help others

If you suspect or know that someone is affected by domestic violence you should explain to them that:

• there are people who will believe them and will help them.
• they are not alone. One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse sometime in their lives.
• it is not their fault.
• listen to them and take them seriously
• be there for them, whatever decisions they make
• not judge them
• help them to find support and advice
• not try to intervene or sort out the situation yourself
• respect their need to be secretive
• not expect them to simply leave, because:
• they may need help to leave safely
• they may not want to leave
• they may want the abuser to leave.

Whatever their circumstances it is likely that they may want legal, financial and emotional support. Do not put yourself in a dangerous position and be careful not to further endanger them.
It is important when obtaining the contact details of a victim that it is confirmed with them that any telephone numbers or addresses that they give are a safe means of contact.