If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
If you suspect that someone you know is being abused in their relationship, there are a number of options open to you. As a concerned friend of neighbour, you can report your concerns to the police or the specialist organisations below, but exercise caution when doing so. Making a report on the victim’s behalf may not be safe, can be very disempowering for them and can result in consequences for the victim that you cannot foresee. If possible, try talking to the victim about the abuse in a safe and confidential space, and signpost them to help and support.
If you are at all concerned about the safety or welfare of a child as a result of the domestic abuse, you can get in touch with their school who can investigate safeguarding concerns. You could also report your concerns to the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.
Evidence shows that if you directly ask someone whether they are suffering domestic abuse, rather than waiting for them to bring it up, they are more likely to talk about it. And people are much more likely to confide in a friend or someone close to them, than to the police or professional services. The most important thing is to listen, believe and provide support. It is very important not to try and take control of their situation. You should also be aware that when a victim leaves an abusive relationship, that can be the most dangerous time for them, so they should plan that very carefully.
Do not confront the abuser. Do not do anything that may endanger you, the victim or their children.
Click here for more advice about broaching the subject with someone you think may be being abused.
If you are worried about someone, or experiencing domestic abuse, you can always call the Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Refuge, for help and advice on what to do. The number is 0808 2000 247. The Helpline is a confidential service and can provide support, information and signposting to local domestic abuse services.
What will happen?
If the police become involved, they should always investigate and may arrest or bring charges against the abuser, if there is sufficient evidence.
Even if there is not enough evidence to charge someone with committing a crime, there are a range of protection options available, including a Domestic Violence Protection Order, which can ban the perpetrator from returning to a residence and contacting the victim for up to 28 days. This allows the victim a level of breathing space to consider their options, with the help of a support agency. Longer-term measures to keep victims safe are also available to courts, such as an injunction.
Also, since 2014, individuals have had the ‘Right to Ask’ about the offending history of their partner, or person they know. Police have the power to disclose previous violent offences and spent convictions, with the aim of protecting potential victims.