I need help for someone else

If you’re a relative or friend who is concerned about someone who has either told you they have been abused, or you suspect abuse, you may feel confused and powerless about what to do.

Watching someone you care about is painful and can leave you feeling helpless. Understanding and working through your own feelings will help you support them.

Be aware that if the abuser becomes aware that you are helping them, they will do everything in their power to stop any contact between you. Unfortunately, they will probably succeed, and your friend / family member will be more isolated.

If you suspect a child or vulnerable adult has been abused, you must report it to either the Police or Children Social Care or Adult Social Care. The Police have specially trained officers who will contact you.

• Believing them.
• Listening to them and not asking for details. They may not want to tell you everything that happened.
• Not asking why the violence or abuse happened.
• Respecting their decision regarding to report the violence or abuse. It is their decision to make.
• Being patient and not telling them to forget all about what has happened or to put it in the past.
• Allowing them to demonstrate their feelings by crying if that is what they need to do, even if their crying might upset you.