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Help Someone You Know

What can I do if I know someone is being abused by a family member?

In an emergency, ring 111 for Police. If unsafe to talk, push 55.
Check for current safety
Support with empathy and without judgement, follow their lead
Don’t try to ‘fix’ their situation, don’t give advice, don’t push them to leave or make decisions you think are best for them
Keep what they tell you private unless there’s immediate danger
Talk or communicate with them privately to keep them safe
Mirror their language
Uphold dignity, honour resistance
Make clear that violence and abuse is not OK
Offer support to meet the needs of their children or dependents
Offer information about Shine’s Helpline or another specialist service
Offer a Safer Homes booklet
Offer to stay in touch, or to talk about it another time

What can I do if I think someone is being abused, but I’m not sure?

What questions to ask and how to ask them

What should I do if I’m worried about a child’s safety and wellbeing?

Children who are being physically or sexually abused
Children who experience family violence indirectly

What should I do if someone I know is abusing their partner or someone close to them?

Only share concerns that are safe to share
Avoid doing or saying something that will put that person at greater risk.
Suggest a non-violence programme

How can I learn to be a better support person for someone experiencing family violence?

Learning more about family violence may help you be a better support person. You may want to: