Speaking to a friend or family member

If you feel like you may be in an unhealthy relationship, you may want to confide in your friends, family or colleagues.  Often, they can offer a great deal of support to you.

Your partner may have made you feel isolated. You may find it difficult to know how to approach your family and friends, how to start the conversation and what to say. You may be worried about what they will say in response – and they might not get it right, but sharing your situation may help you come to the right decision for you and your family.

You may be worried that they won’t believe you, or think you are worried about nothing. But you may be surprised how supportive they are. Show them this website, it may help.

Practical support

They may be able to help you with important things like looking after your children, or letting you stay at their house. They may be able to offer some financial help, or lend or buy you things you might need like food, toiletries, clothes, bedding, kitchen items or furniture. You could ask to keep some of your belongings at their house whilst you make other arrangements, or in a time of crisis you could start building a ‘survival pack’ at their house, containing things you will need when you are able to safely leave the relationship.

Emotional support

They may simply be able to offer a shoulder to cry on, and whilst they may not be able to help directly, sometimes just having someone listen to you can be a great help. They may be able to act as an advocate for you, or help you to find somewhere to live, or accompany you on appointments (e.g. for housing, legal, medical, counselling, etc). It can often be reassuring to know that someone is in your corner, holding your hand throughout a difficult time, especially someone who is trustworthy, non-judgmental and empathetic. You could ask that they keep a direct line open, whether via phone or text message, 24 hours a day, so that you know you can call on them in a crisis.

If you are a family member, friend or colleague of someone you think may be in an abusive relationship, find out more in the ‘I am worried about someone‘ section.

Find out more about what happens when you contact the police, or what happens when you ask for help from a domestic abuse charity.

Find free support

There’s lots of support available across Cheshire to help you open the door. Don’t suffer in silence, talk to someone who can help. Find free support from your local police, local council or the National Domestic Violence Helpline.