Have you witnessed violence?
Have you witnessed violence?
Violence isn’t always physical
Because violence isn’t always immediately obvious, it can easily be misinterpreted or brushed aside. But violence starts whenever people demean, control or disrespect others – in couples, in private life, at the workplace, in care homes or in public spaces.
Violence can also take the form of:
- Suggestive remarks
- Unwanted touching
- Sending unsolicited pornographic images or films
- Insults, demeaning or humiliating comments
Individual incidents may not seem that important. But cumulatively, they create an atmosphere of intimidation, fear and insecurity.
Violence in close relationships
Though anyone can experience violence, women are more frequently affected by violence in close relationships. This is often difficult to recognise from the outside.
But there are some warning signs:
- Behaviour: the person seems insecure, intimidated, behaves unusually
- Withdrawal: the person communicates less than usual and cancels appointments at short notice
- Control: the person receives a large number of calls from their partner and no longer seems able to make decisions by themselves
- Humiliation: the person is criticised, ridiculed or belittled in front of other people
What you can do
If you see boundaries being violated
If you directly witness someone being harassed, abused or belittled, don’t look away. These situations call for civil courage and solidarity with victims.
It’s quite possible you’ll be left speechless by harassment or abuse in the heat of the moment. But you can also respond later and make your mark against violence.
If you see signs of domestic violence
If you have a feeling that someone is experiencing violence, ask them if they’d like to talk about it. It’s often difficult for the people affected to bring up the subject themselves. It’s helpful if someone close to them takes the first step.
Do not endanger yourself or others. In critical situations, don’t confront the person engaging in violence and don’t try to mediate. Call the police.
Silence supports violence
For outsiders, it’s not always clear exactly what’s going on in a certain situation. But even when there are unmistakable signs of violence, people often say nothing: we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing, causing offence, making a fool of ourselves or maybe even making things worse.
Keeping out of it is an understandable reaction. It takes courage to get involved in a situation which doesn’t directly concern us. But if there’s any doubt, it’s always better to ask once too often than once too little because a person experiencing violence cannot always protect themselves alone.
Who helps when?
In cases of immediate danger or violence
Call the police (phone number 117) or, in a medical emergency, the ambulance service (phone number 144).
If you’ve seen or suspect violence
In cases of violent crime, domestic or sexual violence, Victim Support also provides assistance anonymously, at no charge, for people not directly affected by violence. You’ll receive advice and support for dealing with victims, or to help you come to terms with what’s happened.
If you feel unsure
If, in your personal circle or in a public space, you see situations which make you feel unsure or uneasy, don’t keep your mouth shut. Ask the person affected if they’d like to talk about it, and find out about the counselling and support services available:
Counselling and services
Here you can refine your search for a suitable support service.
