Around a quarter of women, and one-in- seven men, will experience abuse in their adult lifetime. This could include physical and sexual violence, psychological, economic or coercive control or stalking.
Brig Jim Taylor, the army’s head of personnel policy, said victims can be hesitant to come forward but stressed there were several organisations that members of the military community could turn to over the festive period and at any other time.
“If you are in that situation, I encourage you to seek support from your unit welfare team, the Army Welfare Service or a trusted external partner such as domestic abuse charity Aurora New Dawn,” he said.
“If going through the chain of command, your confidentiality will be respected – unless you are in imminent danger – and it will not impact negatively on your career,” the senior officer added.
Brianne Atkins from Aurora New Dawn, which runs a dedicated hotline for forces personnel, said UK support services see a 20 per cent rise in calls around Christmas Day and new year.
“The festive period is meant to be happy, but it’s also a time when emotions are heightened,” she explained.
“Finances and family dynamics can cause additional stress. Alcohol is also often a factor.
“In the armed forces, troops return home for leave, other services such as the welfare office might be closed and the emergency services are busier too, so there may be an element of not wanting to bother anyone.
“Our opening hours don’t change over Christmas. We are here to talk, even if that conversation is just to get it off your chest.”
The Aurora team specifically understand the nuances of military life and the barriers to speaking out in a close-knit living and working environment, Atkins pointed out.
Call handlers could also signpost victims towards mental health support or work with them to come up with a safety plan based on their individual circumstances.
“It’s completely confidential and nothing has to happen unless there’s an immediate safeguarding risk,” she added.
“Our main message is to reach out – you are not alone.”
Aurora New Dawn’s Armed Forces Helpline is open to domestic abuse victims who are in the military themselves or where the perpetrator is the serving member.
Speak to them via WhatsApp on +44 3330 912 527 from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, log on to aurorand.org.uk for more information about how the charity can support you.
