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Video: How to respond when your friend is experiencing domestic violence
June 18th, 2020 | Family and Divorce, Gender-based Violence, News
Empathy. Empowerment. Resources.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, AWARE has seen a worrying spike in domestic violence calls. The stress and anxiety sparked by COVID-19 is triggering abusers to lash out against people around them. At the same time, social distancing measures to stop the spread of the virus put potential victims more squarely in harm’s way, while also cutting them off from all-important avenues of social support.
It’s very possible that someone in your life is experiencing domestic violence: a relative, friend, neighbour or colleague. Some symptoms could be unexplained injuries, unusual emotional displays or social behaviour (such as avoiding others), sudden financial trouble or change in work performance.
If you suspect that someone is going through violence at home, watch this video for some simple steps you can take to help her or him.
For more support, call AWARE’s Women’s Helpline at 1800 777 5555 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm). If you cannot call, but would like to schedule an online chat with us, you may do so here.
Animation by Maryam Binte Muhamad Hamim.
Voiceover by Julie Wee.
Funded in part by Temasek Trust’s oscar@sg fund.
Video Transcript
Imagine that your friend is experiencing domestic violence. This could be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial.
It may include hitting, threats, humiliation or unwanted touching. Your friend’s movements, online activities or money might be controlled by the abuser.
If you get a chance to speak with your friend…
Show empathy. Don’t make judgments or assumptions about the situation. You can say: “It sounds like you’re scared and confused because of how your partner treats you. Is that right? I’m here to listen.”
Empower them. Offer your support but don’t make decisions on their behalf. You can say, “How can I help you? We could think through some options together.”
Suggest resources. Point them to people or organisations who could lend more support. You can say: “A Protection Specialist Centre may help. Do you want to call them together?”
- AWARE Women’s Helpline: 1800 777 5555
- National Care Hotline: 1800 202 6868
- Protection Specialist Centres (Care Corner, PAVE, Trans Safe Centre)
- Family Service Centres (call ComCare at 1800 222 0000)
Check in with them periodically. If you fear for your friend’s safety, consider calling the police. If possible, get your friend’s consent before you do so.
Remember: Empathy, Empowerment, Resources.