The Survivor’s Handbook

The Survivor’s Handbook provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse, with simple guidance on every aspect of seeking support.

The terms “victim” and “survivor” are both used, depending on the context. “Survivor” is, however, preferred as it emphasises an active, resourceful and creative response to the abuse, in contrast to “victim”, which implies passive acceptance.

This handbook is primarily addressed to women for the following reasons:

• The majority of is perpetrated by men and experienced by women.
• Women’s Aid’s information and support services exist to respond to the needs of women and children.

However, most of the information here would also apply equally to men who are on the receiving end of abuse, whether from a male or a female abuser.