to wonder why there is no DV advice/links on MN?

[pickgo]

I haven't actually been on MN for very long. But even in the last few weeks I have seen threads that have got definite domestic violence issues embedded in them, plus numerous others with significant dimensions of issues of violence towards the posters and their children.
So, AIBU to wonder why MN doesn't have any prominently displayed direct links, advice, topic areas, phone numbers to help posters find some RL help?

[lochnessmumster]

YANBU.
I think that's a brilliant idea!

[HappyHECmanay]

I agree.

perhaps an index of vital helplines and places to get help and advice on a number of things.

domestic violence
homelessness
debt help
etc etc

[moondog]

Perhaps because its primary function is to entertain rather thna police, direct and generally keep everyone under control?

[pickgo]

Thanks Lochness.
Hopefully others will support the idea and through the mighty mum power of Mumsnet a great sea change will occur and life will be all the better for mums..... ...

[sixpercenttruejedi]

how is providing a link to sources of help and support policing and keeping everyone under control? I think it's a great idea.

[pickgo]

moondog - definately not to police or control to HELP.
Can be so frustrating to hear of some really bad situations that seem to need some RL help.

[dessen]

Good idea Pickgo plus agree on the other help info

[HappyHECmanay]

how does a list of places to get help equal policing or controling in any way?

it's a resource. not a command.

[ilovesooty]

Great idea!

[TheFeministParent]

Brilliant idea, can't imagine why noone thought of it before.

[RoadCraftGuru]

I think generally when there is an issue like this, many posters do link to/provide numbers for organisations that can help. Women's Aid springs to mind.

Just like, when required, they will provide contact details for the Samaritans etc.

I don't think that it's a bad idea at all for MNHQ to collate this information somewhere however. I guess the only potential downside is that someone might feel a bit brushed off IYSWIM if posteres tended to then say "There's a whole section on advice on your issue" rather than addressing individual situations/queries,

[thelittlebluepills]

excellent idea

[BertieBottlesOfMulledWine]

I've been on MN nearly two years now and I already find it very supportive and informative for those suffering DV etc.

I think that more links can always be a good thing :) but I do find the support fantastic and the advice often good.

[BertieBottlesOfMulledWine]

Yes that's true Roadcraft - that's the only issue I would have with it.

Also I guess because mumsnet carries ads, maybe their hands are tied WRT posting phone numbers etc on the talk boards. If you look at the breastfeeding section of the site for example it has the numbers for all the Bf helplines, but on the breast and bottle feeding talk board, they aren't.

[pickgo]

Hopefully DV info wouldn't be instead of lots of lovely supportive responses to posters but as well as.
By listing some DV numbers/links posters could be sure the DV info was accurate and choose what is most relevant to them.
Fyunkysnow will report it to MNHQ when there are hopefully a few more peeps giving it their support.

[fairtradefloozy]

In all cases, an excellent port of call is always the CAB. They rock.

[LittleMissHootsMon]

Good idea pickgo!

WRT the BF helplines vs the bottle and breast anomaly, I would imagine that would have something to so with not being able in any way promote bottle/formula.

As far as I understand, for every one MNer like me who is far too mouthy to merely sit by and say nowt there are TONS more that DO exactly that, lurk!

I don't believe that many women who are in active DV situations will just come on here and post about their situation straight away, they will read, see if others have the same circumstances as them.

If a box on our home page asks the question 'Do you think you may be being abused?' and it links to a support page, with WA, CAB, and Direct.gov pages.

Together with links to definitions of the types of abuse perhaps.

Good call pickgo

[pickgo]

Littlemiss I'm sure you're right about many lurkers.
Some good ideas there.
Hope MNHQ are interested.

[differentnameforthis]

I think it is a good idea. Like the idea of a dedicated lists of help available.

Maybe it can be followed up with a line or two about how there is always someone here to listen?

[pickgo]

Have posted this to MNHQ:
MNHQ - Can I draw this idea to your attention please?
There have been some really serious threads on here where women and children seem to be in real danger and need RL help as well as the wonderful support they receive from posters.
Would it be too difficult to provide some concise advice (eg ring 999 if under immediate threat) and some links/numbers to signpost help?
I'm sure it would be of great help to many MNs and to come thro here for numbers might in some circumstances be safer than to go directly to DV sites eg if violent partners monitor internet activity.
Hope it receives a positive response!

[pickgo]

Just noticed that the Relationships topic area now has DV links at the top of thread.
Well done MNHQ!!!
I'm sure this will benefit many mums and their children.