Time and time again, MOSAIC’s work with GBV survivors has shown us personally that one of the biggest barriers to leaving a domestically violent situation is a fear that the survivor won’t be believed. Today, in a world where the public narrative is largely to raise awareness of and condemn GBV, it’s hard (from an outsider’s perspective) to think this is a legitimate fear.

Unfortunately, this fear can sometimes be a reality. Many abusers can be charming and persuasive – to the outside world. And sometimes outsiders can be in denial about the fact that someone they know may be in an abusive situation, which can lead to a kneejerk reaction of disbelieving survivors when they do confide in them. Or, worse still, ‘victim blaming’ by focusing on what the survivor could’ve done differently to avoid the situation.

The best thing to do, as someone who is being confided in, is to listen, re-assure, and believe a survivor.