Sign in Subscribe
Sexual abuse

Supporting Victim-Survivors of Domestic Abuse: Essential Strategies for Friends and Allies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Marianne's* experience highlights the importance of a supportive network in helping victim-survivors of domestic abuse navigate their darkest moments. A group of friends organized by a good friend accompanied Marianne to court, providing emotional support and a sense of safety. This experience is a testament to the power of a supportive community in empowering victim-survivors to seek help and rebuild their lives. Experts agree that many women live with violence or abuse for years before seeking help, making it crucial to create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to open up.

Key Takeaways:

  • When approaching a suspected victim-survivor, it's essential to prioritize their safety and trust. Experts like Angie Gehle, senior policy and advocacy officer at Domestic Violence NSW, emphasize the importance of not judging them or telling them what to do.
  • Building trust is crucial, and simple actions like asking about their day ahead can help establish a connection.
  • Research suggests that one in six women and girls over the age of 15 have experienced physical violence, one in four have experienced emotional abuse, and one in five have experienced sexual violence (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
  • The number of domestic violence assaults recorded by NSW Police has increased by almost 20% from 32,179 in 2021 to 38,108 in 2025.
  • Dr. Sara Quinn, president of the Australian Psychological Society, stresses the importance of listening and waiting for the victim-survivor to be ready to disclose information.
  • Abuse is never the victim's fault, and it's essential to avoid blaming them or questioning their choices.
  • Supporting victim-survivors during the recovery process can take a lifetime, and it's crucial to start changing stereotypes around sex and gender.
  • Being a support person for a victim-survivor can also take a toll on one's mental health, highlighting the importance of self-care and seeking support.

Statistics:

  • One in six women and girls over the age of 15 have experienced physical violence.
  • One in four women have experienced emotional abuse.
  • One in five women have experienced sexual violence (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
  • The number of domestic violence assaults recorded by NSW Police increased by almost 20% from 32,179 in 2021 to 38,108 in 2025.
  • Approximately 20% of Australian adults over the age of 15 (around 3.8 million people) reported experiencing family or domestic and sexual violence (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

Sources:

  • Marianne, as quoted in the article.
  • Angie Gehle, senior policy and advocacy officer at Domestic Violence NSW.
  • Dr. Sara Quinn, president of the Australian Psychological Society.
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics, Personal Safety Survey.
  • Bridget Harris, director of the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre.

Read more