Sometimes, it is not easy to recognise when things aren’t quite right. The last people we would expect to harm us are our families, we might forgive a loved one’s ‘bad temper,’ because that's just the way they are, or we might make exceptions because abusers might also be suffering from mental health problems. However, abuse is not acceptable under any circumstances.
It is easy to hold misconceptions about domestic abuse even when you've experienced it, never mind when you haven’t. Therefore, within your families, friendship groups or even around colleagues, try and look for little indications of how people are doing. Victims of abuse might not often disclose what is going on in their relationships, but everyone can easily ask someone else if they have had a good weekend, or if they are feeling okay if they look low.
It is time to speak up against domestic abuse. If you see it happening to someone in your household, friendship group or in your general vicinity, speak to them and let them know it is not right to be treated that way, even when they have rationalised it is okay. If everyone works together to change how domestic abuse is recognised and treated, we will be on our way to making a real change to how people live their lives.
If you suspect that you are being abused please seek help, you are not alone and there are organisations and people out there who want to help you.