Domestic violence – what to do, how to help?
Affected women usually talk to people they trust in their social environment about their experiences. It is all the more important that the environment reacts in a supportive manner.
React sensitively and in solidarity
Take a stand, condemn the violence and show your solidarity with the victim! Numerous studies show that it is very important for those affected How the person taken into confidence reacts to the revelation of the experience of violence. Their reaction motivates those affected to seek further support. In addition, it is important to recognize early signs and warning signals of violence and to recognize them as such.
No blaming those affected
Some women believe that they are to blame for the violence they experienced or at least share some of the blame. Important: Only the perpetrator bears sole responsibility!
To confide in yourself
Confiding in other people and talking about what you’ve experienced feels good. It is important to choose people you trust and think about what you want to tell. It can also be very helpful to clearly communicate what support you need and how others can help.
Understanding and support from those around them is important for people who are trying to find a way to deal with the violence they have experienced. Relatives or supporters should therefore create opportunities to talk about the events. It is important to take those affected seriously in terms of what they say, what they have experienced and what they feel. Doubts are out of place and can cause additional stress. Reinforcement and support do not mean forcing those affected to take actions that they have not decided on themselves. Interventions should never be carried out without consultation or against the wishes of the victims.
Avoid additional stress
Experiences of violence are a massive psychological and physical burden. Additional stress should be avoided as much as possible. Do pleasant things that distract from the stress and make sure you get enough sleep and rest. Treating yourself carefully helps you process your experiences.
Get professional support
Many women affected by violence need professional support. You can get these from women’s advice centers and women’s emergency hotlines. Nobody has to deal with this alone. It is helpful if relatives find out about offers and support those affected in the search. Specialist advice centers can also provide information about possible legal steps.
Victim Compensation Act
Anyone who falls victim to an intentional act of violence on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany and suffers damage to their health as a result can assert a claim for victim compensation. This also applies to survivors of people who died as a result of the violent act. The aim of the law is to minimize the health and economic consequences of such acts.
Intimate partner violence against men – a taboo topic?
Men also become victims of intimate partner violence. Since the majority of them are assigned the role of perpetrator, the almost 20 percent male victims of violence remain almost ignored in public perception. Especially since the traces of violence and mistreatment are usually not visible to them at first glance.
Because women – according to studies – tend to be perpetrators of psychological violence: controlling privacy, preventing social contacts, threatening to withdraw custody of their children. If physical violence does occur, it is usually preceded by psychological violence. Because anyone who allows themselves to be dominated psychologically will not defend themselves when the violence becomes physical.
Men can find contacts and help here:
The nationwide men’s helpline offers under the Telephone number 0800 1239900 Advice and referral to the local help system. Office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There are also a variety of online counseling services and shelters for men. All information is available here.
(This article was first published on January 29, 2022.)
2024-02-18 23:14:31
#Violence #women #children #men #domestic #violence #Brisant.de
