Victims of abuse to be better supported by their community
The UK Government launched the Respond campaign to train the public on how to support victims of abuse during their first disclosure, aiming to improve early intervention and recovery pathways.
Victims of abuse often confide in friends, family or peers first, making the initial response critical to whether they seek further help or withdraw. The new Respond campaign provides practical guidance on supportive language and recognising signs of abuse to ensure victims feel heard and believed. It forms part of the cross-Government ENOUGH campaign, which targets perpetrators of violence against women and girls while educating young people. The initiative aims to shift societal attitudes by addressing everyday moments where abuse disclosures occur.
The campaign was launched at Bumble HQ with Minister Alex Davies-Jones emphasising the role of public responses in changing cultural norms around abuse. Davies-Jones stated that effective support happens in everyday interactions, from challenging harmful behaviour to responding appropriately when someone discloses abuse. The campaign includes videos and graphics grounded in real-life stories to demonstrate positive responses. These materials are designed for use across various settings where disclosures might happen.
A dedicated Support Space on the ENOUGH campaign website offers victims, survivors and supporters access to guidance, information and specialist support routes. The space is intended to centralise resources for those navigating disclosures or supporting others. The campaign materials reinforce the core message: ‘If someone discloses abuse, Listen. Believe. Support.’
Bumble supported the campaign launch, highlighting its commitment to providing real-time support and trauma assistance to abuse survivors. The platform offers specialised teams for updates on reports, trauma support via a partnership with Chayn, and a dedicated reporting channel for survivor charities. Bumble’s involvement underscores the role of digital platforms in facilitating early intervention and survivor support.