Listen and Believe

• Listen. If someone discloses an experience of domestic violence to you, listening to what they tell with no judgment, compassion and empathy can be incredibly helpful. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help. 
• Believe. Rather than asking a lot of questions, just let them know that you believe them and will support them as best as you can. Try not to skip ahead to what to do practically without first validating what you have heard and listening to what they have to say.
• Reassure. Remind them that no one, regardless of relationship or status, has the right to hurt them and that no matter what, it is not their fault that this occurred.
• Give Options. Somebody who has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence may feel they have had power and control taken away from them. This means the most important thing is to respond in a way that increases their choice over what happens next. You can simply ask them what they need or want. They might not make the same decision you would; however, only they can decide what is best for them.  You can help them explore options but avoid telling them what they should do.

Signpost to University Support

• Student Life Adviser. An adviser can talk through the University's procedures, how to make a complaint and what support is available, in confidence. 
• Residential Life Team. Whether it is your neighbourhood Student Services Resident (SSR) or the Duty SSR, if you are living in UEA residences there is someone to talk to.   
• The uea(su) Advice Service is a free, confidential service. Advisers can support students who have been named in a disciplinary report for breach of the General Regulations for Students, and can talk through the procedure, what options are available and help you complain if you are unhappy with the process.
• Your School. If you are a student you can talk to your academic adviser. 

Signpost to Specialist Services 

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline  - 0808 2000 247 (24 hours). The helpline is a team of highly-trained, female advisers, who will empower you to understand your options and support you to make any decisions about the future. They can support you to increase your safety and help you find a refuge place, or other specialist services.
• Leeway. Norfolk’s largest specialist provider of relationship abuse support, is available to offer free help and advice. 
• Refuge. A Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 
• Men’s Advice Line. Advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse and violence. 
• Galop. For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Galop is LGBT+ anti-violence charity. 
• Women’s Aid. A grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated. 
• The Survivor's Handbook. From the charity Women's Aid is free, and provides information for women on a wide range of issues, such as housing, money, helping your children, and your legal rights. 

Reporting Options

• Police Domestic abuse is a criminal offence. If you are concerned for a loved one's immediate safety you should dial 999.  Otherwise, you can call 101, report online or visit your local police station to report a crime. Reporting is a big decision and all of the support services linked to above can support you with this, if your friend or loved one decides to make a police report. 
• University. If the perpetrator is a member of the University community, your friend or loved one will have the option of submitting a formal report. The first step to making a formal report is to speak with an advisor,  who will be able to provide your friend or loved one with advice and support on what options are available to make an informed decision.