{"id":47460,"date":"2025-04-04T13:46:52","date_gmt":"2025-04-04T12:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/?page_id=47460"},"modified":"2025-11-11T11:33:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T11:33:14","slug":"looking-after-yourself","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/looking-after-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking after yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"47460\" class=\"elementor elementor-47460\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-74e7b151 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"74e7b151\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-52880673\" data-id=\"52880673\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a01ac1e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6a01ac1e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1>Looking after <strong>yourself<\/strong><\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bd5d2c1 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"1bd5d2c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9e29952 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9e29952\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>On this page:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/looking-after-yourself\/#impact\">Impact on you<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/looking-after-yourself\/#lookafteryourself\">How to look after yourself<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f544871 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"2f544871\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f65c954 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f65c954\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The support provided by friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues to survivors is really valuable and can make all the difference in terms of the person\u2019s safety and wellbeing. It is important to be aware, however, that trying to support someone who is close to you, can sometimes be hard.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It is not easy supporting someone who is experiencing domestic abuse. We know from speaking with friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues of survivors, that being involved in the situation, or simply being aware of it, can affect how you feel, how you relate to other people, how safe you feel, and how you see the world.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\">When <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\">we\u2019ve<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\"> spoken to professionals who work with people experiencing domestic abuse, they have told us that\u202f<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\">their\u202f<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\">experiences of supporting a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague have been <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\">very different<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\"> than carrying out their job role. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW158498453 BCX8\">In particular, these<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\"> professionals talked about how overwhelming it can be to support a person you really care about, and who you are invested in, because your life <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW158498453 BCX8\">is connected with<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\"> theirs.<\/span><\/span><\/p><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW158498453 BCX8\"> Concern for the safety and wellbeing of the person may be your first thought each morning, it can be hard to create and enforce boundaries with people you know, you may have to tread very carefully, and your emotions and feelings about the situation may be very intense. It can also be challenging for you, as someone providing informal support, to try to\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/services-and-resources\/\">access professional support<\/a><\/span>\u202ffor a survivor of domestic abuse.<\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">People can also feel very alone in these experiences, like they are the only person in the world going through this. Please know that\u202f<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">you are not on your own<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">, it\u2019s much more common than you think for people to be helping someone who is experiencing domestic abuse. It\u2019s one of the main reasons why we created\u202fthis handbook, so that people can feel less isolated and can learn from each other\u2019s experiences.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It is also completely normal to feel a whole range of emotions about the situation, and it is important to take some time to think about\u202fhow you are being impacted, and whether there are things you can do to\u202fhelp yourself remain OK.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Looking after yourself is as important as the rest of the information provided on this website, because trying to help in situations of domestic abuse often takes a toll on people.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4852a68 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"4852a68\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d1cb413 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d1cb413\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"impact\">Impact on you<\/h2><p><br \/><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">How are you being impacted by the situation?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/about-domestic-abuse\/ \"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Domestic abuse<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fhas an impact on\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">everyone<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fconnected with the situation. Whether this is the first situation of domestic abuse you have come across or not, you are likely to experience some impacts as you try to help. It can be confusing to understand what is happening, why it is happening to someone you know, and what you should say and do.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sometimes you\u2019ll know the abuser, as well as the survivor, and they may tell you contradictory things about what is happening in the relationship, which can add to confusion.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While speaking with friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues of women experiencing domestic abuse, we have noticed the\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">impact<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">toll<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, or\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">burden<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, that trying to help places upon people. The impacts seem to be greater when the domestic abuse is on-going (or very recent), <a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/how-dangerous-is-domestic-abuse\/\">when\u202fthe situation is very dangerous<\/a>, when people are offering informal support over a long period of time, and when the survivor is someone they really love and care about.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The following are some of the main impacts that friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues of women experiencing domestic abuse have noticed and described to us. It is completely normal to feel a whole range of different emotions about the situation. Everyone\u2019s experience will be different.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The reason we\u2019ve listed potential impacts is to help you think about some of the ways that you, yourself, may have been affected by the situation you\u2019re facing, and to encourage you to actively\u202flook after yourself:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f02670f elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"f02670f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"impacts\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2511\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2511\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Emotional impacts<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2511\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2511\"><p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Emotional impacts<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">concerned<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">worried<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">anxious,<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202for\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">scared\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">for the person you know. You may also feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">fearful about your own<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">safety<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, particularly if the person being abusive has used\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">intimidating or<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">threatening behaviour towards you<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">helpless, powerless,\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">or\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">stuck.<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fIf the situation continues over a long period, you may begin to feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">overwhelmed<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">burnt-out, or stressed.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">tension<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, or\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">inner conflict\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">about what to do for the best, particularly if children or dependants are involved. You may also feel a great\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">responsibility\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">for the survivor\u2019s safety, for providing immediate help, and for \u2018solving\u2019 the situation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">upset<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">sad<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">depressed,<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202for\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">tearful<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fbecause of the situation. You may also feel quite\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">isolated<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fas you offer support, especially if you are the main person, or the only person, who knows about the situation, or who tries to help.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you have seen or heard abusive behaviours, you may feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">distressed<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">panicky<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, or<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fshocked<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">. This can feel worse if what you have seen or heard reminds you of experiences you have had yourself.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"23\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">angry<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fabout the abuse, and because it is often unsafe to express anger towards the abusive person, this can make any on-going contact with the abuser really\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">uncomfortable<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"24\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">frustrated<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fabout the situation, especially if it seems like other people (including professionals) are offering poor advice and support or may even be \u2018making things worse\u2019. You may also feel a sense of frustration with the survivor, especially if you are worried that their choices and decisions will expose them to further harm.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"25\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may feel\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">guilt<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202ffor sometimes feeling\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">impatient\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">with the survivor, and also blame yourself for not knowing more, or doing more to help.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2512\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2512\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Health impacts <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2512\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2512\"><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"26\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may have\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">trouble sleeping<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, or experience\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">nightmares<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, which can result in feeling\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">drained<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202for\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">exhausted.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"27\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may experience\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">headaches,<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fwhich are often a symptom of\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">stress<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fand\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">tension<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"28\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">feel sick<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202for\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2018churned up\u2019\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">inside<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"29\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may find that you\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">don\u2019t want to eat<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">comfort-eat,\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">or<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fexperience some distress around eating.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><blockquote><p><em>\u201cIt\u2019s made me quite ill actually. At times I felt like I was struggling to breathe, and my heart was racing all the time.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><p align=\"right\"><strong>Father of a survivor<\/strong><\/p><blockquote><p><em>\u201cI stopped eating. My appetite just went, and I didn\u2019t have any energy.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><p align=\"right\"><strong>Sister of a survivor<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2513\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2513\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Relationship impacts <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2513\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2513\"><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"30\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may experience\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">reduced contact and communication<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fwith the person experiencing abuse. This relationship may become\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">strained<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fand, in some cases, may end. If the survivor has children, you may also have less contact with them.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"31\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your own relationships with friends and family members may become\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">tense<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, particularly if you disagree about how best to handle the situation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"32\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">trust in other people<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fmay be affected by your exposure to this situation. It may change how you feel about people in general, or about certain groups of people, for example, men.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><blockquote><p><em>\u201cIt was such a difficult time and it drove a massive wedge between us.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><p align=\"right\"><strong>Mother of a survivor<\/strong><\/p><blockquote><p><em>\u201cWe had very different views on how to handle things. It really soured relationships within our friendship group.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><p align=\"right\"><strong>Friend of a survivor<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2514\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2514\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Direct abusive impacts <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2514\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2514\"><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"33\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may experience\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">threats<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202ffrom the person who is being abusive, to harm you, your property, your belongings, your pets, or the people you care about.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"34\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The person who is being abusive may try to<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fintimidate, belittle, harass,\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">or<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fmanipulate you<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"35\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may experience\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">physical violence<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202ffrom the person who is being abusive.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2515\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2515\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Practical impacts <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2515\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2515\"><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"36\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">It may take lots of\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">time and energy\u202f<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">to help a survivor. For example, helping to move, attending appointments with them, and helping to get specialist and legal support.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"36\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may decide to offer accommodation and childcare, which will impact on the\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">space and free-time availabl<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">e to you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"36\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may decide to help with money and resources, which will impact your own\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">financial situation<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><blockquote><p><em>\u201cI was trying to help her with the court case. I\u2019m no legal expert but I was looking up stuff online for her.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><p align=\"right\"><strong>Friend of a survivor<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-457965e elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"457965e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-952ad53 elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-blockquote--button-color-official elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"952ad53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cI was so worried, all the time. I felt really on edge about what was going to happen, and how long it was going to go on for.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Cousin of a survivor<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d69c5ee elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"d69c5ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5745e44 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5745e44\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you look after\u202f<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">yourself<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">, you will be in a better position to help someone who is experiencing domestic abuse.<\/span><\/b><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Most people who are offering support to someone who is experiencing domestic abuse are quick to self-doubt and self-blame regarding their perceived limitations. Many people feel they don\u2019t know enough, aren\u2019t \u2018getting it right\u2019, or feel, at times, like they are failing<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202for have failed, in the support they have offered.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">And yet, despite all the challenges, when we speak to friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues who are offering support, we hear amazing examples of dedication, loyalty, commitment, sacrifice, determination, resourcefulness, generosity, and love.\u202f<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Your support really matters<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fso\u202fplease look after yourself.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2c9fb12 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"2c9fb12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14c3874d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"14c3874d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id=\"lookafteryourself\">How to look after yourself<\/h2><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106838916 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106838916 BCX8\">Becoming aware that domestic abuse is happening to someone you know can change how you see the world; it can challenge your views and beliefs about how people behave towards one another, and it can make\u202f<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106838916 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106838916 BCX8\">you<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW106838916 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW106838916 BCX8\">\u202ffeel less safe. And people who have supported someone experiencing domestic abuse talk about how lonely and isolating an experience it can be, especially if you are the only person who knows about the situation.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW106838916 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: var(--text-align); background-color: var(--ast-global-color-5);\" data-contrast=\"none\">The suggestions below are things that people have mentioned to us as helpful. We do not want to give the impression that by simply following these suggestions that everything will be OK. Clearly it won\u2019t. Trying to help someone you care about, who is experiencing domestic abuse, is tricky, confusing, and often difficult.<\/span><span style=\"font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: var(--text-align); background-color: var(--ast-global-color-5);\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">However, taking some time for yourself, to think about how\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">you<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fare doing and how\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">you<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fare coping, and to invest in yourself, so that\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">you<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fremain OK, is important. This will build and support\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">your<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fresilience, which in turn will benefit the person you care about.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b87cf6b elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"b87cf6b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1931\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1931\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Ways to look after yourself <\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1931\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1931\"><ol><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"39\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Gently encourage the survivor to get in touch with\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/services-and-resources\/\">specialist services<\/a>. The people who work for these services have specialist knowledge and experience, so can provide the best help. This can take some of the pressure off you, because you won\u2019t be the only person helping and supporting.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"39\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Consider contacting\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/services-and-resources\/\">specialist organisations<\/a>\u202fon your own behalf.\u00a0 These organisations welcome contact from\u202f<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">you<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">, as someone concerned about another person; you aren\u2019t wasting their time or using the services inappropriately. They can listen to you, provide advice, and let you know about the services and support available locally and nationally.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"39\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are struggling to feel OK, you are finding things really hard, or you are feeling \u2018<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">at the end of yourself<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2018, do consider contacting one of the\u202forganisations providing emotional support, for example\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samaritans.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Samaritans<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, or have a chat with your GP. They will listen to you and can let you know about the services and support available.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"39\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Try to take some regular \u2018time out\u2019 from the situation, so you don\u2019t end up feeling completely overwhelmed. Domestic abuse can be incredibly intense, and while your focus and attention about what is happening may be helpful, it is also important to allow yourself a break from thinking about it. There may be times when this is completely impossible because the situation is so urgent or intense. It is important to take this \u2018time out\u2019 when you can, because it is hard for our bodies and minds to remain on high alert over a long period. You may find <a href=\"https:\/\/bloom.chayn.co\/grounding\">grounding techniques<\/a> helpful to cope in moments of overwhelm.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"39\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Try to make sure you have a calming sleep routine. Without good sleep, difficult situations can feel even worse, and people find it harder to make good decisions and choices. Our sleep patterns and routines can be affected when we have a lot on our mind. It is probably not a surprise then, that when you know someone who is experiencing domestic abuse, that your worries and anxieties about the situation affect your sleep. You can help your body, by trying to stick to a routine of going to bed and getting up at similar times, and by helping your mind and body to wind down before bed. Things that people have found helpful include having a relaxing bath, doing quieter activities, and not drinking alcohol or using screens at bedtime. You may find\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/information-support\/tips-for-everyday-living\/relaxation\/relaxation-exercises\/#RelaxYourBody\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">relaxation exercises<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00a0or\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLgdxvG3UlbicrSRyfcSWtCCzxFEO4p7hZ\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">calming sounds<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fhelpful for getting off to sleep. Or, you can slow down your breathing using\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/self-help\/guides-tools-and-activities\/breathing-exercises-for-stress\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">breathing exercises<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202f\u2013 for example, focus on each breath, and breathe in for 4 counts, and out for 7.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"39\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Another way that you can manage the impact of the situation, is by expressing how you are feeling in a safe environment. Keeping things \u2018bottled up\u2019 can make people feel trapped, tense, and isolated. Finding ways to express your thoughts, concerns, and feelings may help you to feel less on your own and will provide you with space and opportunity to really think through what is happening. You could do this by writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal, or by talking to a trusted friend (who is separate from the situation), or by talking with a professional counsellor or therapist (you can find a counsellor or therapist who is local to you through the\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bacp.co.uk\/search\/Therapists\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"39\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Try to look after your body and continue to be around other people. If you are struggling, you may not feel like eating or you may feel like retreating from the world, avoiding social interactions. It\u2019s not wrong to give your full attention to what\u2019s happening, but in order to keep yourself OK, it is important to do things which will combat some of the stress you are experiencing.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you would like some more practical ideas, tools, and tips about how to help yourself cope with feelings of stress, anxiety, worry, distress, or low mood, take a look at the online resources provided by the\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/self-help\/guides-tools-and-activities\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">NHS<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">,\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.samaritans.org\/how-we-can-help\/if-youre-having-difficult-time\/signs-you-may-be-struggling-cope\/practical-ways-help-yourself-cope\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Samaritans<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, and\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/information-support\/tips-for-everyday-living\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Mind<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:200}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-95a1cf1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"95a1cf1\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55307fa elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"55307fa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-900937a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"900937a\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c43e31 elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-blockquote--button-color-official elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"6c43e31\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\u201cI think any third party needs support themselves, to deal with the emotional, practical side of things. And I think maybe reaching out to a professional that will be able to provide them with some information or support might be an idea, that they want to think about. But I think ultimately, as a third party, you also need to protect yourself. Because you can become so easily involved in a horrendous situation, and I think it\u2019s important that you look after your own emotions and self-care. You know, I just think that, unless you look after yourself, it\u2019s very difficult to look after anybody else.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-q-footer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<cite class=\"elementor-blockquote__author\">Sister of a survivor<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c58a2a3 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c58a2a3\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f458e2d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f458e2d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3ca40b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f3ca40b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c335fd8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c335fd8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/\">&lt; Back<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9de82f5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9de82f5\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-206f48f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"206f48f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p align=\"right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/friends-and-family\/services-and-resources\/\">Next &gt;<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking after yourself On this page: Impact on you How to look after yourself The support provided by friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues to survivors is really valuable and can make all the difference in terms of the person\u2019s safety and wellbeing. It is important to be aware, however, that trying to support someone [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":881,"featured_media":47718,"parent":47448,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","inline_featured_image":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2081],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47460","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-friends-and-family","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3 - 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