On the back of new research from the national charity Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Mole Valley is raising awareness of specialist helplines people can call if they suspect someone they know may be in an abusive relationship.
Whilst friends and family in Leatherhead and Dorking can play a key role encouraging victims to seek specialist help, Citizens Advice Mole Valley says they currently face difficulties in helping victims this way. In its new report, ‘A link in the chain’, national
Citizens Advice finds that most people in Britain do not feel equipped to help anyone who is suffering from domestic abuse.
Findings from the report and a survey of over 2,000 British adults conducted by ComRes for Citizens Advice also reveal:
As part of a new national campaign, Talk About Abuse, Citizens Advice Mole Valley is also suggesting that the role family and friends already play in supporting victims of domestic abuse should be considered in the UK Government’s announced review of how it approaches domestic abuse.
Last year, Citizens Advice Mole Valley helped 41 victims of domestic abuse. Many victims initially seek help from the charity for related problems like debt or housing, rather than about the abuse itself.
Debbie Jones, District Manager at Citizens Advice Mole Valley said:
“Family and friends can be a lifeline to support for victims of domestic abuse in Leatherhead and Dorking. Those suffering from domestic abuse may feel unable to reach out for help themselves, so people who want to support them need to know the steps they can take and where they can get specialist help.
We are joining the national Talk About Abuse campaign so we can help ordinary people know how to recognise abuse, talk about it safely, enable victims to make the right decisions for themselves.
If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or you are concerned someone you know might be in an abusive relationship, you can seek help by calling confidential Freephone helplines. You can also get help and support from Citizens Advice Mole Valley.”
The helplines to call are: