Domestic Violence Support Guide for Victims & Loved Ones
Domestic violence is undeniably one of the most traumatic crimes to experience. The nature of domestic abuse means that some people may not even realise that they are experiencing it. To find out more about domestic abuse, how to escape it and how to help sufferers, read on.
What does domestic violence look like?
There are many different forms of domestic abuse. Many of them may not be visible from outside the relationship, and in fact, some victims will hide external signs.
- Physical abuse – hurting or injuring a partner
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse – gaslighting, yelling, mocking, the silent treatment, threats against you or themselves
- Financial abuse – withholding or controlling money
- Coercive control – manipulation through isolation, intimidation and degradation
- Harassment and stalking
- Online abuse – revenge porn, using accounts without consent, keeping passwords
Many people think of women as the most common victims of domestic violence, but anyone can experience it.
Why victims feel trapped
Even after realising that they are suffering abuse, many people don’t immediately leave. There are many reasons for this, many of which stem from the complex nature of romantic relationships.
Even if their partner is mistreating them, many people feel a sense of loyalty or belief that their partner can change. The abusive partner may promise to change or make threats to prevent them from leaving. If there are children involved, this can complicate things even further. In the case of financial abuse, people may be physically unable to leave due to a lack of funds or privacy.
Some people even return to abusive partners. It’s important not to shame victims for feeling unable to leave, as this will only isolate them further.
If you are unsafe
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can contact the Centre Against Abuse Hotline at 297-8278 or email them at info@centreagainstabuse.bm.
You can also contact the Women’s Resource Centre at 295-3882 or email wrc@wrcbermuda.com
For family support, contact Family Centre at 232-1116
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 911
If a loved one is unsafe
Shame is often a predominant emotion for sufferers of abuse, so it’s important not to make them feel judged. Make sure that they understand that the abuse is not their fault, and that help is available.
Do not push them to report or reach out for help if they aren’t ready, but point them to available support. Helping them to create a plan to safely leave can show them a clear path to do so, even if it’s just having everything in place in case it gets worse.
If someone is in immediate danger, contact the police directly on 911
For non-urgent advice, contact the Centre Against Abuse at 297-8278
Anonymously report abuse
If you know someone suffering from domestic violence, you can report the perpetrator without anyone knowing your identity. Crime Stoppers Bermuda has anonymous phone lines and online forms that allow you to give information without your identity being known.
Use our online form or call us anonymously on 800-8477.