Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can affect people across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.
Domestic abuse can affect people across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.
What can you do?
Safety
Safety
- Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can contact the emergency services on 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone) or if you are on campus, ring university Security Team 24/7 on the emergency number 0115 951 8888).
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened try and find somewhere they feel safe. If this isn't possible and they are scared or fearful you can suggest they call security or emergency services on the numbers above.
- Look after yourself. Hearing about domestic abuse and violence can be difficult; particularly when it has happened to someone you care about. It is important that while you are supporting someone you are also taking care of your own physical and mental health.
Support
- Talk. If someone you know has been affected, you can encourage them to seek support. Alternatively you make an anonymous disclosure which will allow us to investigate if there are multiple instances in one area. If you are concerned for their safety you can seek help on their behalf.
- Seek Support. There are a number of specialist organisations that provide specialist support. You could encourage the person you know to reach out to such support.
If you are supporting someone else, make sure you look after yourself
- HealthyU is here to help you look after yourself as a student at the university
- If you are a member of staff, the Staff Wellbeing page has lots of information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
- Togetherall is for staff and students and provides a safe space for members to engage anonymously with a wider network of people across the world who understand what it's like to struggle with mental health.