I worry about my son and my grandchild
In the early evening, a woman in her 60s calls the helpline. Her emotional stress is palpable. She is not sure whether she is allowed to call as a woman, but she has recently learned that her son is experiencing violence at the hands of his partner. Now she is extremely worried and doesn't know what to do.
The woman says that her son has been in a steady relationship for 6 years and that her grandchild was born 3 years ago. There had already been difficulties with her son's partner in the past; for example, she reports a scene during a family celebration when things suddenly escalated and her son's partner threatened to leave if she, the mother, did not leave the celebration immediately.
The mother then reported many other difficult situations in a very distraught state. A few days ago, her son called her and tearfully told her that his wife had just attacked him violently. He revealed to her for the first time during the phone call that his partner had been having massive outbursts of anger for about 3 years, insulting him for no reason and even throwing things at him. She had finally injured him badly on the head that day when she had thrown her bunch of keys at him.
After the caller has had sufficient time to express her feelings and fears, the counselor asks about the mother's assessment of how her son now feels about his partner and how he sees his or the family's future. Various scenarios are then discussed and some important information - for example about the Protection Against Violence Act and counseling options - is passed on so that this can find its way to the son affected by violence via the mother.
Towards the end of the conversation, the mother feels a little more confident in her ability to act and in her assessment of her options for supporting and encouraging her son to find a way out of the violence. Finally, she is encouraged to call again if necessary and to give her son the number of the violence against men helpline.