What can you do as a colleague or coursemates?
What can I do as a colleague or coursemates and where do I turn?
There is a lot you as a colleague or coursemate can do for the person who is a victim of violence, show that you care and ask questions out of consideration for your colleague or coursemate. Although you must remember to show respect and sensitivity towards your colleague or coursemate.
The Swedish Gender Equality Agency gives tips on what you should think about before talking to your colleague/coursemate:
- Maintain a neutral stance towards the abuser. If you criticise the partner, there is a risk that the victim will end up in a defensive position. The victim may also blame themselves, rather than the abuser.
- If you are dismissed, do not take this personally.
- Tell them what you can do, what support you and the workplace/university can give them.
- Be clear that you will not do anything without first informing them, nor will you do anything that goes against their will.
- Respect their view of the situation.
- Have patience, offer your help at the pace they prefer.
Who do you turn to if you are the victim, or see somebody being victimised?
Regardless of whether you or a colleague are the victim, you can always turn to your manager who is responsible for your work environment. You can also contact a union representative or health and safety representative.
You can contact the student health service if you are a student and the victim of abuse, or are aware of a coursemate who is.
It is also possible to get support through one of the organisations linked on the page "Links to different support resources".
Reporting to social services
If a student or employee’s child is suspected to be at risk of harm following violence in close relationships, this should be reported to social services. Social services will then investigate the child's circumstances.