Shining a Light on Victims of Domestic Abuse

Do you suspect that someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse?

The charity Refuge advises that people who are being abused may:

• Seem afraid or anxious to please their partner
• Receive frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner
• Talk about their partner’s temper, jealousy, or possessiveness
• Frequently miss work, school, or social occasions, without explanation
• Dress in clothing designed to hide bruises or scars (e.g. wearing long sleeves in the summer or sunglasses indoors)
• Be restricted from seeing family and friends
• Rarely go out in public without their partner
• Have limited access to money, credit cards, or the car
• Have very low self-esteem, even if they used to be confident
• Be depressed, anxious, or suicidal

If you do suspect that someone you know is being abused, Refuge suggests that you:

• Ask if something is wrong
• Express concern
• Listen and validate
• Offer help
• Support his or her decisions

and that it is important not to:

• Wait for him or her to come to you
• Judge or blame
• Pressure him or her
• Give advice
• Place conditions on your support

Advice can be sought 24 hours a day on the National Domestic Violence Helpline 0800 2000 247 (freephone). You can also call Bromley Women’s Aid Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm or email info@bromleywa.org.uk.