The UK government has introduced guidance for conversations after abuse is disclosed, aiming to help friends and relatives respond supportively and connect victims with specialist services.
The Ministry of Justice announced Respond on Oct. 15 as a new strand of the cross-government ENOUGH campaign. It is aimed at people around victims and survivors, including those who may be told about abuse. The campaign encourages listeners to hear the person out, believe them and offer support.
Videos and graphics draw on real-life experiences to show helpful responses and possible warning signs. Online guidance recommends listening without judgment, allowing someone to speak at a pace they choose and avoiding questions that press for details. It advises calling 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
The ENOUGH Support Space provides information and routes to specialist services for people experiencing abuse and those supporting them. Its guidance says people can seek help without first reporting abuse to police. The Ministry said an initial response can affect whether someone seeks further help or reports the abuse.
The launch took place at Bumble’s headquarters. Elymae Cedeno, Bumble’s vice president of Trust & Customer Experience, said, “The first response to a disclosure of abuse can have a lasting impact.”
Alex Davies-Jones, whose ministerial brief covers victims, violence against women and girls, and international justice, said that “it happens in millions of everyday moments.” The wider cross-government campaign aims to challenge perpetrators of violence against women and girls, support victims and educate young people. The government says it wants to halve such violence within a decade.
Respond follows ENOUGH’s Challenge strand, which launched in December 2025 to encourage recognition of abusive behavior and reflection among people who may cause harm. Separately, the government said it is investing £550 million over three years in specialist services for victims and witnesses, including counseling and advice about attending court.
