NHS HIGHLAND: Abusive relationships lead to loss of safety, choice and control
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By Myra Ross
The question most often asked of those living in an abusive relationship is: "Why not just leave?"
The "Spider in a Glass" model was created by me, to help professionals understand why people who are living within an abusive relationship don't, or more accurately, can't just leave!
We all know someone who is scared of spiders, most of us have watched or participated in the catching of a spider. This model reflects how a glass can be lowered over an unsuspecting spider, rendering them captive.
Those of us who have paid close attention will know that initially the spider is unaware of the glass walls, boundaries, that now surround it. We know that it takes some time and indeed many attempts at exercising freedom of movement, for the spider to realise it is in fact "trapped".
The spider searches the perimeter for a way out and finds none, it attempts to climb the walls but fails. Such is the experience of a person "trapped" in an abusive relationship. There seems to be no way to escape.
The Highland Violence Against Women Partnership (HVAWP) have piloted their innovative ‘Spider in a Glass’ campaign which aims to highlight the loss of safety, choice and control often experience by those living within an abusive relationship. The model is used to "tell the story" of an abusive relationship in a way that creates understanding of the nature of the relationship and the experience of those trapped within one.
The Highland Violence Against Women Partnership is a collaboration between NHS Highland, Highland Council, Police Scotland and a host of public and third sector providers, including Women's Aid and Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH). We work together to prevent all forms of violence against women and girls, identify those affected and provide services and support that increase their safety and wellbeing. We also work to challenge and hold perpetrators of sexual abuse and violence accountable for their behaviours.
We were delighted to welcome Emma Roddick MSP to learn more about the work of the HVAWP and our ‘Spider in the Glass’ campaign. It is vital that we continue to raise awareness of violence against women and the impact abusive relationships have on individuals, families and communities across Highland and beyond.
Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline 0800 0271234.
Myra Ross is a training officer with the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership.
