Step-by-step Guidance & Resources For Victims Of Domestic Abuse

Jey · Feb 11, 2018

Dear IL'ites,

Threads started by victims of domestic violence asking for help are always painful for us to see. In most cases it is unfathomable that another human being is acting this way. We feel like we want to talk or meet with the victim, hand-hold her out of the situation and put her on a recovery path.

But in a virtual community, that is very hard to do. So, you all do the best you can. With as much empathy as is humanly possible, you all provide helpful, friendly and practical advice.

These things happen so regularly and the suffering inflicted is so painful that many of us wonder what else can we do. One useful idea that has been mooted from time to time is a comprehensive resource for victims of domestic violence. Specifically a step-by-step instructions on what the victim should do and a listing of local organizations that the victim can call for help.

Many victims in DV situation don't have the mental clarity to take broad feedback and convert that into a next action. Anything we can provide that is specific, concrete and actionable would go a long way. Something like..Pick up the phone and call this number. Download this template and log the abuse incidence. etc. That is where a step-by-step guide and a listing of local phone numbers would come in handy.

What do you all think? Would it be helpful? If yes, is any of you willing to help us with that?

Thank you!

Sandycandy · Feb 11, 2018

High time I think ! Why not have a “are you a victim of abuse “ flashing in bold colors on the IL main page with links to information . More helpful than the “ how to postpone periods for religious pooja etc” that’s flashing on my IL screen often.

It would be really helpful to have information recognizing abuse specially emotional which can be really confusing . Organizations and other information listed by country, State and city ( India ,US,UK, Australia). We recently had some one from Italy too.
Include Some legal information if possible ( country specific rights ,laws )
Emergency Helpline numbers

GeetaKashyap · Feb 11, 2018

A wonderful idea!

Do we have in-house professional members in this field to provide reliable guidance, data, phone numbers and addresses of local organizations that help etc ? Otherwise, IL has to outsource it from across the world. In fact, for a while I have been thinking of suggesting that if we have professional members willing to volunteer, it would be nice to mention their speciality next to their names or have a dedicated thread where minimum professional guidance may be provided. In critical cases this would be beneficial.

Unqualified people like us may provide some information ( based on experience, knowledge or POV) but that may not be totally authentic and accurate.