Are you worried about someone else

If your friend or family member is in an abusive relationship, they may not realise that their relationship is abusive. They may believe the abuse is their fault and feel responsible. Even if they know their relationship is unhealthy, they may choose to stay in the relationship. As a friend try to be there for them because, although they may not show it, they need you more than ever.

If they do choose to leave they may feel sad and lonely when it's over, even though the relationship was abusive. They may get back together with their ex many times, even though you want them to stay apart. It is important that you respect their decision and remain supportive so they know they can come to you again.

How can I help?

Don't be afraid to reach out to a friend who you think needs help, sometimes they want someone else to ask them if they're okay. Tell them you're concerned for their safety and want to help
Be supportive and listen patiently; acknowledge their feelings and be respectful of their decisions
Help your friend recognise that the abuse is not 'normal' and is not their fault. Everyone deserves a healthy, non-abusive relationship
Focus on your friend or family member, not the abusive partner. Even if your loved one stays with their partner, it's important they still feel comfortable talking to you about it
Connect your friend to resources in their community that can give them information and guidance. There is information about support services in How to get help
Help them develop a safety plan - there is information about this in Keeping safe
If they break up with the abusive partner, continue to be supportive after the relationship is over
Even when you feel like there's nothing you can do, don't forget that by being supportive and caring, you're already doing a lot
Don't contact their abuser or publicly post negative things about them online. It'll only make the situation worse for your friend

Greater London Authority has developed some useful guidance for supporting family members and friends experiencing domestic abuse (PDF) [486KB]. They have also developed guidance for supporting partners who have previously been in an abusive relationship. (PDF) [477KB]

Clare's Law

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is often called 'Clare's Law' after the domestic homicide of Clare Woods in 2009.

The aim of Clare's Law is to help individuals make informed choices on whether to continue a relationship if their partner has a history of abuse. Support will be given to assist in these decisions.

Clare's Law allows any individual the right to ask the police if they feel their partner may have a history of abuse which poses a risk to them. Any third party can also make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member.

Once a Clare's Law application has been made, police and partner agencies will carry out a range of checks. If these reveal a record of abusive offences, or suggest a risk of violence or abuse, the police will consider sharing this information

If it is decided a disclosure should be made, this only will be made to the person at risk. The police will not inform the person at risk who requested the information.

Any disclosure will be made in person - for safety reasons the disclosure is not made in writing and no documentation will be given.

How to make an application:

Phone 101 (the non-emergency police number)
Visit a local police station
If you believe there to be an immediate risk of harm phone 999

More information is available on the Norfolk Constabulary website. (opens new window)

Why do people stay in abusive relationships?

If you've never been in an abusive relationship then you may wonder why a person wouldn't just leave. We often put ourselves in the place of the victims and imagine ourselves leaving at the first signs of abuse. Leaving can be more complicated than it seems. There are many reasons why both men and women stay in abusive relationships.

It can be very difficult to leave an abusive partner. There may be threats of violence against the person, their children or their families. There could be practical difficulties relating to children, money and housing. Many people who've been abused become very fearful, with low self-esteem and confidence. It takes a lot of courage and strength, as well as help and support, to be able to even think about leaving.

Common reasons for staying

Belief that the abusive partner will change because they show remorse and promise to stop
Fear the abuser will kill the victim or take the children away if abuse is reported to anyone
Lack of emotional support
Guilt over the failure of the relationship
Attachment to the partner
Fear of being alone
Feeling responsible for the abuse
Feeling helpless, hopeless and trapped
Belief that they are the only one who can help the abuser with their problems
Financial dependence on the abuser
Fear of physical harm to self or children
Fear of emotional harm to the children caused by the loss of a parent, even if that parent is abusive
Fear of losing custody of the children
Social isolation and lack of support because the abuser is their only support system
Lack of information regarding support services
Fear that people won't believe them
Feel they have nowhere to go
Cultural or religious constraints

If your friend is considering leaving an abusive relationship then they need to plan this carefully. Visit Keeping safe for further information.

What if my friend is the abuser?

It is difficult to see someone you care about hurt others. You may not even want to admit that this person is being abusive. But remember, when you remain silent or make excuses for someone's behaviour, you're condoning the abuse.

Ultimately, the abuser is the only person who can decide to change, but there are ways you can encourage them to change their behaviour. It's not easy for people to admit that their abusive behaviour is a choice and accept responsibility for it. They may benefit from having control over their partner and may turn to you to help justify the abuse. Do not support the abuse in any way. Remember, you're not turning against your friend or family member - you're just helping them have a healthy relationship.

Learn the warning signs of abuse so you can help your friend or family member recognise that their behaviour is abusive
Your friend may try to blame the victim for the abuse. Don't support these feelings or help justify the abuse
Help your abusive friend focus on the victim's feelings and the serious harm they're experiencing. Don't support your friend's efforts to minimise their behaviour
Don't ignore abuse you see or hear about. Your silence helps the abusive person deny that their behaviour is wrong
Convince your friend that getting professional help is important. There is more information at Are you worried about your behaviour?
Stay in touch with your friend or family member about the abuse. Be there to support the abuser over the long-term
Remind them that change will create a better, healthier relationship for both partners
Set an example by having healthy relationships in your own life