Where to get domestic abuse help in Wiltshire this Christmas
FearFree have launched their 'Know Where To Go' campaign
Last updated 21st Dec 2023
Christmas should be a joyous and fun time of the year, but for some people in Wiltshire, they'll be looking forward to the festive season with fear and trepidation.
For people in an abusive relationship, it's always important to know where to seek help and safety, especially over Christmas where some services may be limited.
Domestic abuse charity FearFree have launched their 'Know Where To Go' campaign to ensure anyone seeking help and advice can find it.
The charity is urging people suffering to reach out by whatever method they can, whether that be online or by phone, and their 'Know Where To Go' signposts where help can be found in Wiltshire over the Christmas period.
A perfect storm for abuse
Their CEO Claire Marshall told us that Christmas can be a mini version of lockdown for those suffering abuse, with a number of accelerants of the situation.
"You're confined again with the person who's behaving that way or with your abuser," she said, adding that alcohol can inflame abusive behaviours too.
Claire also cited the cost-of-living crisis may also add a lot of pressure and give an abuser another method of control.
"It's a perfect storm," she said, "If you're in an abusive relationship, it can be a very dark, very lonely time where an individual can be just trying to put on a brave face for the sake of family."
How can we help our loved ones?
Despite Christmas being a time for families and friends to get together, Claire said it can actually be a difficult time to spot the signs of abuse.
She adds that people often come to FearFree and say they don't know how to help.
But if we have seen signs before and begin to join the dots, Claire advises us to have a quiet moment with the person we suspect could be at risk and simply ask if they're ok or need help.
"If they do want to open up at that point, they can do, or know that they can come to you after the festive season because it may be they're just hanging on and trying to keep it together, and trying to have a decent Christmas and to deal with it afterwards."
But if we can't do that, we can contact FearFree to get guidance on supporting our loved ones or to put them in contact with organisations like FearFree.
"It's a huge subject," Claire told us, adding that people often tell them that being believed and having someone who can listen to them are to of the biggest things they seek.
"When a person wants to reach out, knowing you're there is really comforting."