How can you advocate for domestic violence survivors?

Listen to survivors and believe them. Don't dismiss their ordeal. In DV cases, often man is the abuser and woman is the victim. In that context, we need to understand the insidious nature of eons of patriarchy and misogyny that have strong roots in Indian culture. Disabuse yourself of the notion that the survivor knew what she was getting into, and that she should have left the first time itself. Whether educated or not, women are socially conditioned to not walk away from a marriage, irrespective of the abusive nature of it. Violence doesn't always leave visible bruises and scars. Listen to your daughter or sister when she tells you she ain't happy. Listen. Offer support. Show her choice to walking out if she chooses to. Stand by her.

It’s also important to understand that domestic violence doesn’t necessarily end when a relationship ends. If the couple have children together, it’s likely to continue until the children reach the age of 18 in many places. That’s because abusers will grasp any means of control they can over their victims, including by using their children as pawns. The children get caught up in the abuser’s attempts at coercive control and abuse victims trying to protect their children and themselves often find themselves unsupported by the system, or even labeled as an alienating parent.

Undestanding the issue must include calling it what it is. MENS VIOLENCE. Statistically speaking, close to 94% of all violence is commited by men "believing" they have a right to power over & control their partner, former partner & children. This patriarical ideology continues to be supported by law enforcemnt & our judicial system. For goodness sakes, our journalists even victim blame by leaving this important discription out when writing about a case involving a man who raped a child. Speak it. Say it. Men's violence is a scourge on society. Women's 2nd class status in law & society allows this to continue. We must fight for the inclusion of the Equal Rights Amendment to be published in our constitution. And not stop till it's done.

Advocating for domestic violence survivors involves breaking the silence through education, awareness-raising, and support for local organizations. Encouraging open discussions, offering individual support, and advocating for legal protections and workplace support are key steps.

A key step in supporting survivors is for police, health and social services providers to receive evidence-based training. Good news! The Violence-Evidence-Guidance-Action project - Vega - from McMaster University is free! Please check it out! From there, let’s advocate for prevention- especially in teen dating violence.

One thing i have over time found helpful is creating space and taking time to understand the situation at hand. I think once the root cause is understood and take care of then it's time to create a platform for all parties in the society for a chance of education, learning and also experience sharing.

Understanding the issue to advocate for domestic violence survivors involves recognizing the complex dynamics of abuse, which may include physical, emotional, and financial control. It's essential to listen empathetically to survivors, respect their choices, and provide them with information about resources and legal rights. Advocacy also includes raising awareness about domestic violence, challenging societal stigmas, and supporting policies that protect survivors and hold abusers accountable. Building a supportive community network for survivors is crucial for their empowerment and recovery.

One of the most important things to understand here is the stigma attached to reporting domestic violence or even talking about it. A lot of work is needed to remove the social and systemic stigma attached to reporting and talking about this issue. As soon as victims are free to talk about it without any fear of social repercussions, effective solutions will be found.

In my experience those who are keen to help have not stopped and asked themselves if they will cause long term negative or positive realities for survivors. As a rule, it’s become increasingly clear that economic and psychological power dynamics can impact how survivors navigate leaving these extremely volatile situations. So real empowerment has to be accompanied by efforts and programs that understand power and are able to give survivors real long term power of self agency.

Advocating for domestic violence survivors involves supporting and empowering individuals, raising awareness, volunteering and donating to support services, advocating for policy change, supporting prevention efforts, collaborating with community partners, challenging stereotypes, and self-education. By taking these actions, individuals can help create a safer, more supportive environment for survivors and contribute to positive societal change.

Advocates must always provide all the information and allow the client to make their own decisions! It is our job to provide a safe space for them to heal and create a new path for themselves.

Not focusing the conversation on solving the problem for them, but instead being present, listening, and offering resources based on their individual needs. Advocates have specific expertise related to advocacy and resources, but survivors are the experts of their own lives. Supporting domestic violence survivors is a balance of the expertise of both parties.

The decisions made by victims are important and can affect their survival, mental health and overall well-being. In addition, advocates should respect the victims ultimate choice, however that should not stop the advocate from relaying the truth. Yes, each person has free will, but advising them from choosing the wrong path must be apart of an advocate action plan. Applying wisdom and care, while respecting the victim can allow them to see from a different perspective and result in better decision-making for now and the future, which can/will lead to their exit plan.

Listening and respect are important as I mentioned when the real causes are known and accepted by survivors the solutions which are suggested are real and address the problem and other factors such as safety can easily applied.

Listening and respecting victims' voices and choices is crucial when supporting a victim because the judicial systems and structures don't. To be heard and not told what they should and should not have done or do assists a victim to recover. Most situations are unique and offering a supportive ear and signposting if and when they are ready is helpful to exiting and recovering.

Collaboration is definitely key in providing support to domestic violence survivors. As an advocate one has to have access to several connections to organizations or individuals that are educated about DV and are committed to providing resources to domestic violence survivors. Advocates also have equip themselves with government entities that provide resources for DV survivors.

Connecting and Collaboration are very important and this should include the cultural and religious groupings. Learning how and why cultural and religious groupings solve their issues the way they do is very important. Discussing and collaborating with the gatekeeping groupings can bring out various omitted aspects in all solutions which we think are the best solutions. You learn a lot of hidden aspects of gender issues as they too learn some rights issues which they do not consider and come up with sustainable solutions which are hybrid but acceptable and good to all including the victims.

Collaboration is vital to survival. Often when we sadly lose a woman to domestic violence, the common thread is that they actively sought out help, but the services provided were not collaborative, so vital, possibly life-saving information slipped through the cracks. In Queensland, an area where this most happens is restraining orders. All too often, these are not being enforced, meaning they are often 'just a piece of paper'. Sadly, this breakdown in communication and follow-through means women have died - with an active order being in place!

Awareness about all forms of abuse is needed, people tend to think of physical abuse but the many covert nonphysical forms of abuse are equally violent, some experts believe more so because it is not visible and the abuse is difficult to articulate. The effects and impacts of covert abuse often last a lifetime.

This is a crucial element and International day for the elimination of violence against women 25th November is an excellent day to raise money for your local support service; check if your workplace has a domestic violence policy which support victims and challenges perpetrators; share statistics about the prevalence of domestic abuse; remember that clients may be subjected to abuse and your colleagues too - so be aware of the language you use and never blame victims for staying - understand how difficult it is to speak out. Hold interesting awareness raising events - speakers, performances, music, dance.

Not only is educating the public a good thing but educating survivors in understanding that they have been abused for so many years. I have had women say to me "I've called because my friend thinks I am in an abusive relationship - am I?". So it is imperative to educate survivors too so that they may seek support.

Domestic violence remains a silent epidemic that affects countless lives. It's often misunderstood, minimized, or ignored, perpetuating stigma and silence. To truly make a difference, we must take educating and raising awareness in consideration, as it's looked at as a feminist and extremist thing especially in a country like mine, Uganda. And here are the few steps to consider;- 1) Challenge Misconceptions: Let's debunk the myths surrounding domestic violence. By sharing accurate information, we can break down the walls of misunderstanding. 2) Amplify Survivor Stories: Each survivor's journey is a testament to resilience. Their voices deserve to be heard. Let's share their stories to inspire others and show that recovery is possible.

Digital Campaigns and online Advocacy is the trend in elimination of GBV. I pledged to write 16 stories on GBV Advocacy and Awareness based on lived experience and what I encounter in my line of duty. Today I posted for day 7, "Cyber bullying and Online Harassment" . Tomorrow is on supporting SGBV survivors especially Children.

The two way wherein advocacy campaign could raise awareness is one, media advocacy is the strategic use of mediums such as radio, TV, and the Internet to promote 'public debate and generate public support for changes in community policies and norms.

Education, raising awareness and challenging harmful stereotypes. People tend to minimise abuse, especially if it’s not physical. Because they dnt see the other types of abuse, yet they happen in large number. Use statistics, share survivors stories, social media and digital campaigns, door to door and community intervention, strong policies, etc. Train health care workers and the law enforcement agencies. Using all the resources at your disposal to educate, educate, educate.

Educate survivors about the cycle of violence and pay attention to redflags to prevent further abuse. Also, equp them with information related to where to get access to psychosocial and other services to deal with post-trauma symptoms. As a SGBV ESD trainer, I'd also suggest traning them on Empowerment Self-defense to build confidence, learn to set boundaries, and protect themselves using physical skills if/when needed if they ever find themselves in a similar situation.

Real-life stories are very important in educating people. Sharing them also helps those who are shy to share their ordeal to find solutions to their cases.

Domestic violence education covers significant areas of discussion such as the cycle of violence, trauma bonding, narcissism, the impact of violence related to addiction issues, and domestic violence in the context of disability. Unfortunately people with disabilities and economic hardships face additional obstacles when it comes to receiving the care they need. Many people find the current reporting and respective treatment processes too complicated to move forward. For this reason, it is the responsibility of the community in their proximity to provide consistent education in creative ways because people have different ways of learning. It usually takes several attempts and/or several educational efforts before survivors leave DV.

Listening to survivors is the number one way to support people. Without survivor's voices being included at every level- agency over our own healing, autonomy in our own lives, and a direct line of communication between VSPs and DSPs with Survivors- there will never be authentic work and change in prevention and after care services.

A major ongoing trauma for those who have experienced domestic violence is having to repeat the trauma over and over again to different agencies and workers . Systems need to be put in place so that this does not add to the ongoing trauma.

Domestic violence is a global issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, including the Central Coast NSW and Australia, where the problem is particularly prevalent. Domestic abuse comes in many forms, including physical, psychological, financial, sexual, spiritual and coercive control. Survivors of domestic violence often feel helpless, isolated, and afraid, highlighting the need for safe and empowering spaces for them to heal and recover. One effective way to reduce the need for survivors to recount their trauma story is through "warm referrals" to trauma-informed and person-centred service providers. Remember, survivors and children can heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma. Safety & inspiring hope is the key!

For many years after my own DV trauma I was labeled a ‘survivor.’ Yet I still suffered from the lingering silent effects. Even after therapy it took a number of years to consider myself a ‘thriver.’ This post-stage is often overlooked. I realized there was a need to help people move through those last hurdles after initial healing (and hopefully therapy). So I pivoted my career to support people in that place of life. This is the work of my heart.

Supporting domestic violence survivors means meeting them where they are, listening to their needs, and empowering them to become their own advocates in a way that is not patronizing and presumptuous. It involves respecting their journey and helping them regain control of their lives.

The hardest part of dealing with trauma from abuse is the trivialising of it or unintentional gas lighting i speak of my abuse but have yet to have anyone ask how it feels? Ask me about the impacts or effects etc when I finally got the courage to report my abuse at Christmas time everyone seemed to wonder why? I found that stunning.

Also equip survivors with accurate information. For instance in South Africa there is a domestic violence act. Take survivors through the different sections of the act. Explain how they can use this act to their benefit and how they can apply it in their daily lives. Access to accurate information is both empowering and a human right.

Listen, Listen, Listen. Focus on collaboration so that survivors do not have to tell their stories over and over again - this can be a big hurdle to sharing your story - it feels like you are a tape recorder, replaying some of the scariest, most traumatic memories of your life, on repeat. For many their lives will never be the same - respect that. Don't enforce forgiveness or expect a particular reaction. Again, every situation and relationship is different. People react just as diversely. In short, support and empowerment should be structured just as uniquely. Considered Empathy - taking into consideration the voices of survivors.

Support and empowerment is mostly the missing link. This makes many victims choose not to share because they think that when they share or reveal will be in bigger problems compared to the ones they have at that time.

Understanding that learned helplessness is real. Victims are so mentally broken that they choose actions that will probably diminish further abuse and repeat behaviour for which they know the outcome is known. In this situation, they may continue to engage in sexual activities with the abuser to keep physical abuse minimal, but the sexual activities are not necessarily consensual. They become “survival-focused”, and the abuser becomes more powerful. Understanding that the victim's world has changed is essential. Minimal daily encouragement, such as compliments for completing tasks (even simple tasks), enables victims to start viewing themselves as able to do things for themselves, which, over time, leads to self-empowerment.

While an advocate focuses on supporting and motivating the survivors of domestic violence, it is vital for them to also set boundaries and prioritize their self-care. Self-care allows one to recharge and replenish themselves. In this field, it can be quite tedious, overwhelming and occasionally dangerous depending on the situation and/or clients at hand. Therefore, further highlighting the importance of self-care in the routine of an advocate.

One issue that very few Domestic Violence Advocates speak about is the fact that both MEN and Women can be victims in life as well as the Abuser. DV is not something you can learn about, yes you can train and get educated on the DV in General but to fully comprehend the vast array of issues you need to have lived that life. Being a Survivor is hard it doesn't happen overnight but if you want to escape a life of abuse then the victim must make the step to reach out for help. Society including social media, Courts, Police, Advocates all need to realize that boys & girls, men & women can all be victims of abuse and as such ALL should be supported. Sadly society deems men always as the abusers and never the victim. Abuse has no boundaries

We need to shift the conversation from focusing on the victim survivor to focusing on the perpetrator/person choosing violence and abuse. There is nothing wrong with victim survivors. They are doing their best for their own and their children’s safety and wellbeing. People who choose violence can also choose non violence. As a society we need to shift our focus to supporting this change (while also supporting adult and child victim survivors to be safe and thrive). This is everyone’s work, not just a small number of overburdened men’s behaviour change programs. Our society’s violence supporting narratives enable violence. If we change those narratives we can change lives!

Domestic violence can have many negative health impacts, even when there is no physical violence. Abusive partners may control the survivors access to healthcare. There are many health conditions that are impacted by domestic violence such as asthma, Gastrointestinal disorders, and preterm birth.