TIME TO REACH OUT

We’ve teamed up NO MORE to offer essential guidance to those in need and ideas on how everyone can help combat the rise in domestic violence during this time. Read below.

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE AT RISK OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

If you’re in an abusive relationship, know it’s not your fault—now or ever. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and love. Domestic abuse can mean physical harm and bruises, but it’s also verbal and emotional abuse designed to bully, intimidate and degrade. Often it can start with verbal abuse and then escalate to become more violent. If you are experiencing domestic violence, you may be isolated but you do not have to go through it alone.

Finding help and creating a plan to leave,

Keep phone charged and close by: In an abusive relationship, your phone can be your lifeline. Keep your phone charged, on hand at all times, know who to call in case of emergency and turn your location services off.

Confide in trusted friends & family: Trusted friends and family can help, even from a distance. Make sure you have a key contact that knows your situation and checks upon you regularly.

Create a SOS code word or sign: Create a code word, phrase or visual signal that can be given to trusted friends to make them aware if you are in danger and need help.

Seek out local support services: Being informed about domestic abuse and available services is key to keeping safe. Even during this COVID-19 crisis, help is still available. If you’re experiencing any type of abuse, find out about supports and services in your community.

Develop a plan: Developing a plan to leave may seem harder at this time of social distancing, but it is still possible. Shelters remain open and family or friends may have extra space where you could stay in quarantine. Decide where you’ll go first, take an emergency number along with you and essential items ready in advance such as a form of ID, a change of clothes, and money if possible and anything else most important to you. Consider updating a trusted family member or friend, and remember to turn location services off on your mobile.

Call emergency services: If you are in immediate danger, contact the emergency services - 999

If you are a domestic abuse survivor looking for help during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can also visit https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors/ or https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/.

ADVICE FOR THOSE THAT SUSPECT SOMEONE IS EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men. Even if you aren’t directly impacted, the chances are high that you have a friend, family member, or co-worker who’s been affected. We can all play a role in looking out for each other and preventing violence.

How you can help,

Recognise the signs: Recognizing the signs of domestic violence is an important first step to taking action to prevent it. Follow your instincts. If a situation feels wrong to you, it probably is. Ask yourself “If I don’t act, could the situation get worse?” IF YES, then determine the best way to intervene. Get more tips here

Seek advice: If you see or hear what you think might be an abusive situation, try to figure out how to intervene safely. But if the situation seems dangerous, don’t handle it yourself. Get help. Learn how here

Establish a SOS code word or sign: If a friend or loved one confides in you that they are in an abusive relationship, create a code word or sign that they can use to let you know if the situation becomes more dangerous and help is needed.

Help them create a plan to leave: Whilst supporting a victim advise them to develop a plan to stay safe that may include knowing where to go if they have to leave, key items to take, money and having emergency numbers for help. More information here

Learn more about healthy and unhealthy relationships: Abuse doesn’t always leave physical bruises. Verbal and emotional abuse is still domestic violence and has a longstanding impact. It can include name-calling, criticizing and demeaning someone in order to frighten, humiliate, and diminish their self worth and sense of safety. Learn more about healthy and unhealthy relationships.

Teach children healthy relationships: You can help prevent domestic violence before it starts by teaching children that relationships should be based on mutual respect, trust, equality, and honesty. Utilise this time when many families are home together to start or continue the conversation.