Domestic abuse - it's happening to someone I know
Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. It can include emotional, psychological, physical, financial and sexual abuse in couple relationships (current or previous) or between family members. It can be an individual incident, or a pattern of incidents, but always involves one person having control and power over another.
THINK
- Are they in immediate danger? If they are in immediate danger or seriously injured, you can either call our EDI Helpline on +220 7460692 or 2333, or contact the MRCG at LSHTM security team on extension 1505 for emergency help.
- Find a safe space. If an incident has just happened, you can try and find somewhere they feel safe. If this isn't possible and they are scared or fearful, you can contact the MRCG at LSHTM security team on extension 1505.
TALKListen. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. These six active listening tips might help you support them (Published on Oct 4, 2015 Based on the Samaritans guidelines for active listening).
- Give options. When they have finished talking ask them if they are okay to talk through some possible options and next steps.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through the MRCG at LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
- Mental Health First Aiders can provide immediate mental health support.
REPORT
- In an emergency you can report to A&E by calling 1945 and requesting an ambulance or report to police. There is an option for silent support if talking will put you in danger.
- If it is not an emergency, you can speak to your doctor/healthcare professional or attend any local police station.
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using MRCG at LSHTM’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can make a report with contact details. If you choose to report with contact details your submission will be reviewed by the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team who will contact you to talk through the options.
GET SUPPORT
If you know someone who is the target of domestic violence, there are a variety of support options available for them. It's important you take care of yourself too - you can also access student and/or staff wellbeing services for support.
MRCG at LSHTM Support for Staff and Students
- Only connect staff counselling service. A trained counsellor can meet with you to discuss any issue and all issues will be treated confidentially.
- HR Department. If you are a member of staff or manager, your HR department will be able to identify the support that’s available to you.
- Trade Union. The MRCG Workers’ Union represents staff at MRCG at LSHTM.
- Mental Health First Aiders – An MHFA can provide immediate mental health support.
- Anti-Bullying and Harassment Advisors can talk through the MRCG at LSHTM’s procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence.
Other sources of support
- Network Against Gender Based Violence’s One Stop Centre. Receive support from medical and psychosocial support from any of the one stop centres for the management of Gender Based Violence Cases. A trained social worker can meet with you to discuss any issue and all issues will be treated confidentially. Legal aid can also be provided.