Why the First Response in Domestic and Family Violence Matters
Published on 25th of November 2023
This year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign is getting the world talking about gendered violence.
Starting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) and running until Human Rights Day (10 December), it is a global call to action to raise awareness about violence against women.
It is a good reminder that we all have a role to play in ending domestic and family violence.
This campaign also prompts a critical question: Do you know how to respond if someone reaches out to you for help?
The truth is, how we respond when someone shares their abuse with us matters significantly.
Research shows the profound impact of our reactions when someone discloses their experience of abuse. An inappropriate response can discourage the person from seeking assistance again, potentially leaving them and their children vulnerable to further violence.
In many cases, women begin sharing their stories because they are feeling safe and respected. They may initially start by sharing parts of their experience to test how safe they are with you. They will observe your reaction to what they disclose, whether you believe in their stories, any shifts in your behaviour toward them, and whether you prioritise the lens of the person(s) using violence or what the person is saying to you.
Remember, disclosing domestic or family violence comes with a lot of fear and other intense emotions. This means a woman may be very sensitive to your reactions.
Your voice, tone, body language and how you acknowledge what is being said can all significantly impact the outcome.
Ultimately, the three most important things you can do are:
- listen without interruption or judgement
- believe and validate their experiences
- provide information that will support them to make their own choices (as much as possible) regarding what happens next.
You do not need to ‘fix’ the problem, offer solutions or provide counselling. But, depending on your role, you may be legally required to share the disclosure with other people if you believe there is an immediate risk of harm.
If you want to know more, DV-alert workshops and courses are designed to build the competencies of frontline workers to effectively engage with people experiencing, or at risk of, domestic and family violence. It is aimed at achieving early intervention.
Our workshops empower frontline workers with the knowledge and skills to recognise signs of domestic and family violence, respond confidently with appropriate care and refer women and their children to the right support services.
For DV-alert trainers, every person who understands why the first response matters becomes one more step towards helping a family in need.
To show our commitment to ending violence against women, we have also pledged to join 16 Days of Activism from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Each day we will take actions to raise awareness of gendered violence as well as support the #OrangetheWorld campaign which encourages everyone to wear orange to envisage a world free from domestic and family violence.
Follow us on our socials as we begin our #16days to tell the world we are dedicated to ending violence against women and children.
