You might be particularly concerned about a family member or a friend at the moment if they will be at home with their abuser. Always encourage them to call 999 in an emergency.
Sometimes our closest friends can be suffering in silence. If you spot any of these signs, your friend may be experiencing domestic abuse in their relationship:
Control
Does your friend’s partner call and text them all the time? Does it ever seem like they’re checking up on your friend?
Isolation
Have you noticed you get to see your friend less and less, and that they’re also seeing less of their other friends and family? Maybe they seem to make excuses about why they can’t meet up, or you get the sense that your friend’s partner is taking over their life.
Manipulation
Does it ever seem like your friend won’t make a decision without checking with their partner first? Do they ever seem worried about their partner’s reaction?
Pressure
Have you noticed that your friend is behaving out of character – e.g. dressing, acting, or speaking differently? Do you think they may ever feel pressured by their partner to look or behave in a certain way?
Jealousy
Does your friend change their behaviour to avoid accusations of cheating from their partner? Does it seem like their partner is often jealous for little reason?
Fear
Have you noticed your friend treading on eggshells to avoid rowing with their partner? Have you ever got the sense that your friend is a bit afraid of them?
Worried about your friend’s relationship?
Trust your instincts.
Encourage them to reach out for online support such as Women’s Aid’s Survivors’ Forum, Live Chat or Email.
