Guidance

Domestic abuse case studies from the SSAFA Personal Support and Social Work Service (RAF)

Updated 31 January 2017

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Who can help?

Support within the Royal Air Force community

There is significant support available within the Royal Air Force (RAF) community to serving personnel, their families and partners. If you are a victim of domestic abuse or a perpetrator who wants to change their abusive and controlling behaviour it is important to ask for help.

Sources of support available to those within the RAF community are outlined below. Case studies received from SSAFA Personal Support Social Work Service (RAF) are also detailed.

Domestic abuse is more common than people think; 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced domestic abuse in their lifetime. Feedback on common concerns raised by victims and perpetrators from the armed forces community is available. Professional welfare providers, be they military or civilian, are very experienced in supporting male and female victims of domestic abuse, they are there to help you.

Civilian support services

To find out what civilian services are available in your area type ‘domestic abuse’ into the search tool on either your local or county council website. Computer access is available at local libraries, with additional information on local support services for male and female victims available through the following link Domestic Abuse Directory’.

Police and NHS staff can also signpost to support groups; anyone can speak in confidence to their GP or health worker. Additional support is available through the following national support groups:

Armed forces welfare providers

SSAFA Personal Support and Social Work Service (RAF)

In addition to wider support available through SSAFA, the RAF has commissioned a UK based personal support and social work service. Support is controlled on a regional basis, with all large and medium sized stations having SSAFA fieldworkers. They work to a specific code of confidentiality, in accordance with legal requirements, which would be explained during any initial contact. The personal support and social work service can be accessed by all RAF personnel, including reserves, and their families. More information on this support service, as well as regional contact details, can be found on their website.

Forcesline

Forcesline is a free, confidential telephone helpline and email service run by SSAFA. Experienced staff provide a supportive, listening and signposting service for current and former members of the armed forces and their families. Forcesline opening hours can be accessed via the web link.

Chaplaincy support

Chaplains work with each of the armed services and are located with units throughout the world. Chaplaincy support, which is confidential and outside of the chain of command, is available to all service personnel and their families. Chaplains provide spiritual leadership, moral guidance and pastoral support, regardless of religion or belief; the Padre is around to talk to and help anyone. Chaplaincy support can be accessed locally, with further information available through the HIVE Information Centres (see sub-section below).

RAF Families Federation

The RAF Families Federation is there to represent the needs of the service family; they are an independent organisation that offers confidential advice, signposting as well as a voice on any relevant issue. Further information is available on their website.

RAF HIVE

The HIVE is an information network available to all members of the service community. HIVE Information Centres provide up to date, relevant information and can be contacted in person or by either telephone or e-mail; for locations and contact details see their website.

Case study 1: from SSAFA Personal Support and Social Work Service (RAF)

Ms J was contacted by another woman, who said she was having a relationship with Mrs J’s husband; he had told the woman that he was divorced. Ms J established that her husband had actively used dating sites, and had had a lot of contact with women.

Ms J contacted her local SSAFA PS & SWS worker who visited her at home to discuss the situation, as well as the options available to her. Ms J was clear that she wanted to leave her husband and take her 3 children with her; the youngest 2 were her husbands and the eldest was from a previous relationship. Ms J had already made contact with Women’s Aid for advice and a place had been identified at a women’s refuge near to Ms J’s support network and family. During the course of the visit, the PS & SWS worker established that there had been a history of domestic abuse when the family lived on another station. More recently Mrs J had been experiencing ongoing verbal abuse and controlling behaviour by her husband.

Financial support was provided to help Ms J travel to the refuge, and contact was also made with the local SSAFA branch in order to establish ongoing support. Ms J has since secured a private rented flat in the area that she moved to, and support was provided to help retrieve her belongings from the marital home.

Case study 2: from SSAFA Personal Support and Social Work Service (RAF)

Mrs X approached her local SSAFA PS & SWS worker for advice and support regarding her relationship, and the situation at home. She explained that she was unhappy in her marriage and intended to separate from her husband. Her husband did not accept her decision, and was putting pressure on her to remain. They had previously received relationship counselling, although the counselling had little effect because her husband did not believe they were experiencing problems. Mrs X reported that their children had heard them argue, and she was aware of the possible impact this could have on them.

SSAFA PS & SWS worker submitted an application for financial assistance with removal costs and rent in advance, as Mrs X had identified a suitable property for her and her children to move into. The application was accepted and funds made available for the move.

Mrs X remained in touch with the PS & SWS worker, updating her on her progress and seeking advice when needed.

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