Education about domestic abuse equips and empowers friends, colleagues, and neighbours to respond in positive and helpful ways when someone discloses experiences of abuse, finds a new study by researchers from UCL and SafeLives.
The study, published in the journal Trauma, Violence & Abuse, synthesised the findings of 11 existing studies from around the world that examined the effects of domestic abuse training for colleagues, neighbours, or faith leaders.
It concluded that educational activities tailored towards friends, colleagues and neighbours improves their awareness and understanding of domestic abuse, knowledge of how to respond, and motivation to do so, especially in the short term. This increases the likelihood that they will take action to support individuals experiencing abusive relationships.
However, the study did not find evidence about the kind of support that might be provided and whether it would be viewed as helpful by victim-survivors.
Dr Karen Schucan Bird (IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society), the lead author of the research, said: "For people living with domestic abuse, empathetic and helpful responses from friends, colleagues and neighbours are vital. These responses can affect individuals' safety as well as their wellbeing, mental health, and decision to seek further help.
"Our study suggests education can play a role in equipping friends, colleagues and neighbours with the knowledge and skills to react positively and support individuals experiencing abuse. This re-affirms the importance and potential of social and community networks for supporting victims of abuse as part of a societal-wide response.
"Our findings provide further impetus to employers, community and faith organisations to provide education about domestic abuse as part of their duty of care - by upskilling their workers or members and teaching them how best to respond to such situations.
"To respond positively to disclosures of abuse, it is important to listen with empathy, to create a space where people can explain their situation and experiences without being judged, and to know about helplines and local organisations that can provide expert support."
Based on research, Dr Schucan Bird and SafeLives identified four steps for responding positively in the form of "four Rs":
- Recognise: Become aware of the signs of domestic abuse.
- Respond: Listen without judgement and show empathy.
- Reassure: Convey belief and validate the experiences of your friend, relative or neighbour.
