Seeking help for past domestic abuse

[Fizzy!]

Hi. Is seeking help for past domestic abuse showing that i can protect my children, or can social workers use it against you?

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Hi. Is seeking help for past domestic abuse showing that i can protect my children, or can social workers use it against you?

Dear Fizzy,

This is Suzie, the online adviser at Family Rights Group. I have just responded to your previous post (on another thread) and will now respond to this particular question.

Seeking help for past domestic abuse will be seen positively. It shows that you have recognised that the behaviour by your previous partner was abusive and that this is likely to have impacted on you and your children. This recognition is very important, especially in being able to keep your children safe from the impact of domestic abuse.

The impact of domestic abuse can be long-term. For example survivors can find that their mental and emotional health is affected even after an abusive relationship has ended, and children's mental and emotional health can also be affected, as well as their understanding of what a 'healthy' relationship can look like.

Therefore, any support you seek as a person who has experienced domestic abuse will be seen as a positive step forward. Seeking support will not be held against you, and instead should be seen as hugely beneficial.

We have information about organisations that support those who have experienced domestic abuse on our website HERE which may be helpful to you.

I hope that this is of some help. Please post again if you have any further queries or you can call our free, confidential adviceline on 0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 3pm). We also have a webchat which is currently open on Monday and Thursday afternoons.

Best wishes,
Suzie