Are outreach workers anonymous?

[Freetobethegreatest]

Womens aid have advised me to get in touch with my local domestic abuse centre however if i do rhis will it be anonymous like it is on the phone to womens aid?

[SunshineRainflower]

From what I remember, when I rang them it started anonymous but I then gave them my details and got an outreach worker. I used to meet her in person so it couldn’t have been anon, but you could just ask them if you could have anon support over the phone and see what they say? Is it due to fear of the abuser that you want to remain anonymous?

[KIP.]

Just take baby steps. If you don’t want to give your name they won’t pressure you. They are there to help and advise you but you are in charge of how much help you take. I’m sure a lot of women won’t give their names to begin with until trust is understandably gained x mine were fantastic!

[Anonymous]

I can relate to wanting to stay anonymous. I’ve called more than once without giving details. I’m actually still struggling over what to do and keep freezing with fear and worry when it comes to the point of giving more information.

I just want to suggest that you don’t lose heart if you get someone who does seem a bit funny about you not being ready yet. Try again because even if you get someone less understanding, there will be others there who do understand. It really is worth trying again. I spoke to someone who did seem to want to pressure me. She pretty much said I either gave my details or they couldn’t help. I was very upset. I was so scared about everything (still am actually) and really needed the baby steps like Kip mentions. I needed the support to be more ready to go further including giving my details. But I called back another time. Didnt’ want to at first because of that experience and got someone really nice. She was so kind and told me I could call back again even if I wasn’t ready. I hope this gets across the message properly. I don’t want to put you off but the opposite. In case you get someone not so understanding. Please don’t give up. I nearly did but in desperation did try again and it was worth it.

[Freetobethegreatest]

Thank you so much

I have rang womens aid so many times. They have basically told me there isnt anything else they can do for me and told me i need to speak to my local unit and speak to an outreach worker. I felt a bit upset about this. I ring the helpline to talk but am not ready to leave. I am so concerned about someone knowing who i actually am and i guess it makes it so real. My main concern i guess is is it confidential as i am concerned about social services… I guess rather than anonymous i should have said confidential but ive had a day from hell. Cant think straight because of him

[SunshineRainflower]

I think depending on your local service you might be able to get anonymous/confidential support if they have a helpline, my local one has a helpline which I rang a lot I just can’t remember exactly when I gave them my details but they didn’t pressurise me. Social services are experienced at dealing with abusers and will want to arrange it for him to be removed and you and the children kept together, but I understand your fear about it, it is very scary, I too refused to give my details to the police at first, I was too scared they would contact him and he’d come round and hurt me. You can always ring Samaritans anonymously to talk it through with a supportive person, and there is the rape crisis helpline which deals with rape and sexual assault/abuse if this is relevant to your situation. And there might be local abuse-specialist charities who can help too, I rang round so many different organisations at first just from doing a google search and everyone helped me in some way and I rang anonymously half the time.

[Author]

Posts