Essential maintenance to My Telford and the My Telford app

From Friday 22 September 2023 to Monday 25 September 2023, there will be disruption to all online services accessed through My Telford and the My Telford app. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Is someone you know suffering?

There are many reasons why a person does not leave an abusive relationship. As a friend or family member it is important for us to understand this:

  • they may still love and care about their partner. Some people want the relationship to continue but the abuse to stop
  • they may feel ashamed about the abuse and may believe that it is their fault
  • they may be too worried about what the future holds:
    • where they will live
    • what they will do for money
    • whether they will have to hide forever
    • whether they will be found
  • they may not know who to go to or who to trust to help them to leave
  • as a result of the abuse they may not have enough self confidence and self esteem to make any decisions
  • they may believe that for the sake of the children it is better to stay in the relationship
  • they may have become isolated from friends and family and have no way of asking for help
  • they may not have any money.

What can you do to help?

  • listen without interrupting and try not to given an opinion 
  • do not try and take control of the situation, ask what they want to do
  • understand if they decide that this is not the time for them to do anything. When they feel strong enough they will
  • try not to become frustrated if they leave the relationship and go back soon after. Research has shown that on average it takes a woman 7 attempts to leave an abusive relationship.

If they are thinking of leaving you can help

The best way to leave an abusive relationship is to make a plan to leave. If a plan is made and carried through the chances of getting away safely is increased. You can help them with a safety/action plan. View the safety/action plan for more information on leaving an abusive relationship.

How are children affected?

They may:

  • feel scared, confused, and guilty believing that arguments and abuse is taking place because of them
  • be destructive towards their toys and other property
  • be tearful
  • display anger and become violent towards their family members and friends
  • become withdrawn, lose their self confidence and their self esteem
  • lose their concentration at school, have poor levels of achievement and be seen to display/express difficult behaviour
  • refuse to go to school because they want to “keep an eye on” what is happening at home. This is because they feel a responsibility to protect the parent who is being abused
  • isolate themselves from friends because they are trying to protect the ‘secrets’ at home
  • be harmed whilst trying to protect another family member

and in some cases may:

  • develop stress-related illnesses, such as bed wetting, skin disorders and eating problems
  • turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of escaping their feelings
  • self harm such as cutting, burning themselves and pulling their hair out
  • run away from home
  • commit or attempt to commit suicide.

Last updated: 09/03/2021 14:00