Support Check List for Workers

  • Are your client and any dependants safe at the moment?

  • Does your client have injuries that need medical attention or documenting?

  • Do they need to contact police to report an incident?

  • Does a report need to be made to the Child Protection Helpline in relation to the children’s safety?

  • Does your client need legal advice regarding an ADVO, the children or property?

  • Does your client want an interpreter?

  • Do they need alternative accommodation?

  • Do they have a trusted friend or family member that they can contact for support?

  • Does your client want counselling?

  • Do they have pets? Are they safe?

  • Does your client have any special support requirements?

  • Would they benefit from completing a safety plan?

    Always support a person experiencing domestic violence by believing them, validating their fears and feelings, reassuring them that the violence is not their fault and offering practical and emotional support.

Support Techniques

Disclosing domestic and family violence can be a very difficult process. Clients may worry about how others will respond to their disclosure and what the consequences of them talking about the violence might be.  Clients might talk about family violence in an open and direct way or may be more vague and allude to “problems at home”. It is important to listen for the cues and ask open questions, giving them an opportunity to talk more about their concerns if they wish. 

Be gentle, reassuring, non-judgemental and respectful 

Where possible: 

  • Provide a private and safe environment to speak with clients.

  • Never speak to the client in front of a person you suspect might be the perpetrator.

  • Be aware of accompanying children and what is said in front of them.

  • Give the client plenty of time. Try not to rush them in their responses.

  • Acknowledge what the client has said and validate their experiences. 

  • Give support by making reassuring and affirming statements. For example, “It can’t be easy for you to talk about this, you have been very brave to take this first important step” or “you must be very strong to have survived all that”.

  • Reinforce that the violence is not the client’s fault and that there are no excuses for violence. 

  • Give appropriate and if possible “warm” referrals. i.e with the client’s permission contact the referral service and introduce the client to them. Find out the relevant information such as opening hours, costs etc.

  • Don’t make promises about possible outcomes.