How can you help if someone you know is in an abusive relationship?

In episode two of our podcast How Can I Help?, we get advice on what to do if you think someone you know is in an abusive relationship.

On average, one woman a week is murdered in Australia by her current or former partner, and from the age of 15, a quarter of all women experience emotional abuse from someone they have been in a relationship with.

But what do you do if you suspect someone you know, whether it’s a friend, neighbour, coworker, or close relative is experiencing domestic or family violence?

In this episode of How Can I Help?, we hear from domestic violence survivor and advocate, Angela Hadchiti, about her experience and what helped her leave a 20-year violent marriage.

We also talk to the CEO of Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia, Hayley Foster, about the importance of checking in with people you might be concerned about.

Listen below or find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app.

You can read a transcript of this episode here.

If you are in immediate danger, call the police on triple zero. 

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800-RESPECT, Australia’s National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Support Service, on 1800 737 732, or visit 1800respect.org.au.

The Kids’ Helpline is a 24 hour phone and online service that is available for young people aged between five and 25, who need advice, counselling, or just someone to talk to. Call 1800 55 1800, or visit kidshelpline.com.au.

If you’re concerned about your own behaviour there is support for you too. You can call No to Violence on 1300 766 491, or visit ntv.org.au.

In the interview Hayley also mentions several other organisations that you can follow to learn more about this issue. You can find them below:

• Women’s Safety NSW
• White Ribbon Australia
• Harmony Alliance: Migrant and Refugee Women for Change
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance (NATSIWA)

How Can I Help? Is a podcast for people who want to help, but don’t know where to start.

Hosted by Pro Bono News editor Wendy Williams, the six-part series features conversations with people with lived experience and experts in the field on what we can do to help in situations that we might encounter at some point in our lives  – whether that’s when you see someone sleeping rough, if you think a friend or colleague is in an abusive relationship, or if a family member is suffering from depression. 

Find out more at probonoaustralia.com.au/how-can-i-help/.