Alester Brown

Guide on How to Help a Victim of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an unfortunate reality for millions around the world. While many people automatically assume that domestic violence refers to physical aggression, it is more complex than that. Domestic abuse can include emotional trauma, sexual harm, psychological damage, and more.

At its core, domestic violence is about gaining and maintaining control over a partner. It can affect men and women of all ages. Unfortunately, many people suffer in silence. They're too scared or ashamed to come forward, leading to potentially years of suffering.

If you suspect someone in your life is a victim of domestic violence, here's what you can do.

Listen and Don't Judge

The most important thing to remember is that you cannot judge people for being victims. It's easy to say that you would do XYZ and not let your partner harm you. But you don't know the individual's situation. Abuse isn't black and white, and there's no room to judge others.

Judgmental attitudes towards the victim will only drive them back to the abuser. Listen to their problems, understand that it's not an easy fix, and show your support.

Choose your words wisely. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is telling a victim what they need to do. Remember: Domestic violence is about control. Don't become another aggressor in that person's life.

You can make suggestions, but they ultimately have to choose to take action.

Get Professional Help

A domestic violence counsellor can help victims find the strength they need to move forward. Abusers go to great lengths to bring their victims down in every way possible. They strip them of their dignity, make them feel weak, and turn them into a powerless husk of their former self. It's why so many people don't leave these situations.

A counsellor can work with victims and remind them that they don't deserve the abuse.

Report the Abuse

Depending on the situation, you may want to report the abuse to the proper authorities before you suggest seeing a domestic violence counsellor. However, tread carefully.

Always seek help if you believe violence is imminent. The person's safety is the most important thing, and involving the authorities could lead to more violence. Work with the individual to develop an emergency plan they can act on in the worst-case scenario. That way, they can stay safe if the authorities get involved.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on Paediatrician & online Psychiatrist consultation. You can find her thoughts at telehealth treatment blog.