12 ways to support someone you know being subjected to domestic abuse

Have you been wondering, ‘how can I help a friend/family member that I think is or has been subject to domestic abuse’ here is a useful guide to what you can do to help them:

1. Listen and believe them.

2. Acknowledge what they say and don’t judge them.

3. Give them time.

4. Be supportive with what decision that they make even if are worried about getting help.

5. Be there and be a safe space for them.

6. Tell them it’s not their fault

7. Remind them they aren’t alone.

8. Look for any information and offer to go through and explore what you have found, more information on support available here: How can we help?

9. Help them make any reports on their experiences and make a list of questions for, you can also offer to attend the appointment with them.

10. You can help them to keep a record of anything that is happening, more information on keeping safe together here: Safety & wellbeing

11. Keep in touch with them as well as ask them how they are doing.

12. Offer to allow them to use your address/phone number to allow information or messages to be left.

All of these are just a snippet of what you can do to offer advice to them that is/has been subjected to abusive behaviour and if you would ever like more advice you can either call us on: 0300 140 0061 or visit our website: Findaway

What happens when you call?

• Free & anonymous support

• We won’t ask you to identify the victim

• No judgement, just guidance

For more information about Findaway and the services we offer, please visit our How Can We Help page.

National Phonelines:

24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline by Refuge: 0808 2000 247

Men's Advice Line - Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse: 0808 801 032