One in seven men are subjected to domestic abuse during their lifetime.
Overall, Domestic Abuse Support Workers play a crucial role in empowering survivors of domestic violence, promoting safety, and facilitating their journey toward healing and independence.
Like anyone experiencing domestic abuse, male victims may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their situation, especially if it involves being physically or emotionally overpowered by a partner.
What issues do men face regarding domestic abuse?
“Men are often reluctant in coming forward, often thinking they will not be believed and being embarrassed to talk about the abuse they have suffered from their partner,” explains Mohammed, Male Domestic Abuse Support Worker at Staying Put. “Men are often overlooked in the bigger picture of domestic abuse, Staying Put offers their services to everyone.”
What is a Domestic Abuse Support Worker?
A Domestic Abuse Support Worker conducts thorough safety assessments to identify risks and develop safety plans tailored to each individual’s situation. This includes discussing safe places to go, emergency contacts, and strategies for protecting themselves and their children.
Emotional Support: Providing emotional support and validation to victims of domestic abuse. This involves actively listening to their experiences, offering empathy, and validating their feelings without judgment.
Empowerment and Choice: Empowering clients to make their own decisions regarding their safety and well-being. This involves respecting their autonomy, providing non-directive support, and helping them explore their options without pressure.
Crisis Intervention: Responding promptly to crisis situations, including instances of immediate danger or escalation of abuse. This may involve coordinating with emergency services, providing emotional support, and helping clients access safe accommodations.
Advocacy: Advocating on behalf of clients to ensure their needs are met and their rights are protected. This may involve liaising with other agencies and professionals such as police, legal services, social services, and healthcare providers.
Overall, Domestic Abuse Support Workers play a crucial role in empowering survivors of domestic abuse, promoting safety, and facilitating their journey toward healing and independence.
If someone’s referred to you, what do you do?
My average day starts from assessing clients, looking at immediate safety, meeting them and fulfilling their support needs.
I use a person-centred approach to provide solution focused support, this means that clients are at the centre of the support I provide, I take their needs and wants into account. I also liaise with relevant partner agencies to ensure that clients get the correct guidance and support.
Any other comments?
If you need support or further information on how we can help, please call 0808 2800 999.
We help everyone who needs it, so please feel reassured that you can call us and you will be supported.
Our helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm. We close for half an hour at 1pm every day for lunch.