A provincial program to help put an end to intimate partner violence isn’t only helping survivors.
Love Shouldn’t Hurt Social Marketing Coordinator Meranda McLaughlin says the program is looking to provide assistance to abusers as well.
She says in some cases, abusers may recognize their hurtful behaviour.
“Maybe they can’t help it, maybe they don’t know how else to act, maybe they’ve learned that behaviour, but the first step, really, is recognizing that that’s wrong, and to kind of go past and seek help,” says McLaughlin.
She adds shame can be a big barrier to coming forward and asking for help if you’re an abusive partner.
“But, really, if you can recognize that behaviour as being wrong, and you’re taking that step forward, there’s so many resources that can help you,” says McLaughlin. “There’s support groups, there’s counselling, there’s workshops, there’s one on one support.”
She says if abusers ask for help, the support staff are not going to be focused on punishment.
“So, it’s difficult to speak to exactly what steps would be taken, because it would be a case by case basis,” says McLaughlin. “But first and foremost, the effort would be on ensuring no one’s in immediate danger, and then finding everyone the help and support that they need.”
LOVE SHOULDN’T HURT. Be part of the solution. #LoveShouldNB pic.twitter.com/r8xd3Fle7a
— Love Should NB (@LoveShouldNB) July 18, 2016
Another survivor shares her experience of abuse and offers personal advice to support positive change #LoveShouldNB pic.twitter.com/Ih31RIQZ4B
— Love Should NB (@LoveShouldNB) July 18, 2016
McLaughlin says if you feel in immediate danger you should call the police, but if it’s not life threatening there is a service directory on the government website HERE
“It includes phone numbers, email addresses for transition homes, for domestic violence outreach workers so if you just have a question and you’re not really sure what the next step would be, so that you can really be put in contact with individuals who know their stuff, and can give you help and support,” says McLaughlin.
McLaughlin says you can also reach out the Love Shouldn’t Hurt Campaign on Facebook and Twitter, and they will help you through there too.
