About this handbook
Why was this handbook developed?
Offering support to someone who is experiencing domestic abuse can be really hard. It is common for people to feel confused about what is happening, and to struggle with what to say and do to help. Each situation is different, and sadly, there are no perfect solutions. However, friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues (informal supporters) have told us that dedicated support for people in their position would be helpful.
This website has been designed with informal supporters in mind. It provides information about how you can help, about UK-based services and resources, and about how to look after yourself. Looking after yourself is important, because trying to help in situations of domestic abuse often takes a toll on people.
How was this handbook developed?
This handbook was developed based on the research of Dr Alison Gregory. Her research received support from:
- Researchers Emma Williamson and Gene Feder
- Project partners Hollie Gazzard Trust and Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA)
- Several members of the public who have supported a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague experiencing domestic abuse
The content of this website has been informed by findings from three different research studies: On the outside looking in, Supporting the supporters, and Building resilience in the ‘forgotten heroes’. In each of these studies, Alison carried out interviews and focus groups with people supporting female survivors of domestic abuse. Alison wanted to find out:
- people’s experiences of offering support
- the challenges and difficulties faced when offering support
- the impacts on supporters
- the needs of informal supporters
The people Alison spoke to wanted this online handbook to raise public awareness and understanding of domestic abuse, and to equip people with information, tools, and strategies for offering support. They also wanted the handbook to help informal supporters avoid ‘burn out’, to cope as they navigate difficult situations, to reduce isolation, increase feelings of strength and agency, and to give people hope.
There was an overall feeling that if friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues are supported, they are in a better position to offer help.
Acknowledgements
We would like to sincerely thank all the friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues of domestic abuse survivors who have contributed to the original research, and therefore the development of this handbook. Without their time, commitment, and honesty, informal supporters would remain unacknowledged and unsupported.
The team
Dr Alison Gregory is an Independent Academic and an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol. Alison has conducted research with informal supporters, survivors, and professionals over two decades, including research on which this resource has been built. Alison led the initial development phase of this resource, writing all the draft content.
Project partners
The development of the handbook’s content was undertaken in collaboration with project partners:
Funding
The development of this handbook was funded by L’Occitane.
The original content was written as part of a research fellowship funded by the AXA Research Fund.
