How To Help A Victim Of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abusive behaviour in a relationship that is used by a companion to gain or maintain control over the other partner. Also, includes many types of abuses; some of the main categories are:
- Physical
- Sexual
- Emotional
- Economic
- Psychological
Threats, stalking, and cyberstalking have also been recently added under the definition of domestic violence.
Statistics of domestically abused in United kingdom
Domestic violence is a developing problem in the UK. Despite proper education and awareness regarding this issue, the stats of it are worrisome. According to various surveys:
- Domestic abuse will affect 25 percent of women and 20 percent of men in their lifetime.
- On average leads to the murder of 2 women each week in the UK; this number for men is around 30 per YEAR.
- Reports for 16% of all violent crime however despite being violent in nature, domestic violence is least likely to be informed to the police.
- Domestic violence has more repeat victims than any other crime; a recent survey showed that normally, there would have been 35 attacks before a victim calls for help! In the UK.
- it has become the most common reason for homelessness in the UK.
Besides, almost 400 people commit suicide each year due to domestic violence. This includes people who have attended hospital for domestic abuse injuries in the last six months, nearly one-third of these people visit the hospital on the day they go on to commit suicide, sadly.
How to help someone with domestic violence:
There are several ways to help someone you care about through domestic violence. Some of the techniques are:
- A sufferer of domestic abuse needs to have a safety plan. Helping them form a safety plan could be useful in violent situations.
- Extending help and support in any way possible, specific to individual needs, is another way of helping people suffering from abuse.
- The feelings of domestic violence victims should always be validated and not frowned upon.
- It goes without saying that you should always give the benefit of the doubt and believe the victim of domestic violence so they can open up more.
- It is essential to learn warning signs of domestic abuse; they could be signs of physical abuse or emotional hurt.
- Learning to listen without judgment is another powerful tool to help victims.
- Making time to help your loved one pass through this challenging time in life, and starting a conversation regarding their issues is another way you can help the victims of domestic violence.
If you feel like someone is a victim of any domestic abuse, you should always try to talk to them or alert appropriate authorities.
