Support a friend if they’re being abused

If you’re worried a friend is being abused, let them know you’ve noticed something is wrong.

They might not be ready to talk, but try to find quiet times when they can talk if they choose to.

If someone confides in you that they’re suffering domestic abuse:

• listen, and take care not to blame them
• acknowledge it takes strength to talk to someone about experiencing abuse
• give them time to talk, but don’t push them to talk if they don’t want to
• acknowledge they’re in a frightening and difficult situation
• tell them nobody deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what the abuser has said
• support them as a friend – encourage them to express their feelings, and allow them to make their own decisions
• don’t tell them to leave the relationship if they’re not ready – that’s their decision
• ask if they have suffered physical harm – if so, offer to go with them to a hospital or GP
• help them report the assault to the police if they choose to
• be ready to provide information on organisations LINK that offer help for people experiencing domestic abuse

If you are worried that a friend, neighbour or loved one is a victim of domestic abuse then you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free and confidential advice, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, you should always call 999.

The above information has been taken from the Government website. You can find more information about recognising the signs of domestic abuse here.