Who can help video transcript
Updated 30 July 2021
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Who can help?
“SSAFA, I class them as my angels now, yeah they were amazing from the onset. When I spoke to a lady called Jill, she said to me “We’re here to support you. We’ll help you and your children either in the relationship, if you want to continue it, or if you decide to separate, then we will help you with life after the military, so that was a massive weight off my shoulders”.
“I’ve got the best support ever. I approached them and they listened to me and that’s when they introduced me to a social worker. I told her everything and she guided me every step of the way. “I think it’s important that you do tell somebody a health visitor, doctor or a social worker. I don’t think anyone should suffer from domestic violence, especially in the military - it’s not acceptable”
As domestic abuse goes on in wider society, it does go on within the Armed Forces community and we should do all we can to protect those that are vulnerable, so protect victims of domestic abuse and endeavour to support perpetrators in any kind of change program.
The welfare services could be the first point of contact for any support that an individual wants if they’re concerned about controlling behaviour within their relationship.
Victims or perpetrators may turn to a GP, a teacher, a Padre or another faith advisor.
It is important that when somebody who has been abused is seeking help that they get listened to, they get heard and most importantly they get believed.
People who are in abusive relationships may turn to the people closest to them so it’s really important that everybody knows where they need to signpost people to and where they can turn to for help.
We have to recognize that victims are most at risk when they’re actually trying to leave an abusive relationship so at this time their safety has to be paramount.
If you know somebody that’s suffering from domestic abuse in a relationship then please contact your welfare representative and they will be able to support you.
Perpetrators need to seek help to change their behaviour pattern so any perpetrator who feels that they’re recognizing symptoms of coercive or controlling behaviour should seek support.
There is help available for perpetrators if they wish to access it and all the welfare services can sign post them in the right direction.
“The last time the welfare office I came to see me he said that he’s seen a great change in the kids and even me. He said I’m not the same person he met before. I would say anyone that was in my situation, call them as soon as possible because whether you stay in the relationship or you get out of the relationship, they’re there to help you”
“I would have probably gone to pieces with all the stress, but the ladies here really have not only supported me emotionally but with the practical things as well like filling out paperwork and finding a home and I have them to thank for everything really.”