She sits there, quietly she tells me about what has happened. She describes one of the worst things one human being can do to another. She's reliving it for me.
I shouldn't be here.
I should be waiting outside, waiting for the police to arrive to make sure that the scene was safe.
But as I sat outside with the message on my screen saying 'police have no units to send' all I could think of was her, alone in the house. Or with the person who did this to her.
So we went in.
As she tells me what happened my crewmate is in the room next door playing with her child, her child who seems thankfully ignorant of what has happened.
When I've been to a job like this before the police have always been there first, today I'm there first. I'm the first authority face that she sees.
So she unburdens herself onto me, there is nothing I can say to make things better, all I can do is offer her someone to listen to and a promise that the police will arrive soon.
But it can't be soon enough.
I've been that woman too. Sometimes all it needs is an ear and a presence to help start the healing. Thank you for being there.
Ive been this woman. All i would have wanted is someone to arrive and make me feel safe, to listen and, most importantly, to believe me. You did that for her. Thankyou.
I'm with urbansunset. Sometimes to listen is all it takes. I'm glad there are people like you out there.Lola x
Thank you for goinin. I too have been that woman- but was so threatened could not make that call. THANK YOU.
Thank you for being there for her. x
When all you can do is be there, being there is enough.
Quiet, still, reassuring, safe…. So rare and so under-rated. Often better than any formal treatment. You got it so right.
Good work, Tom. And for those of you who've been that woman, I want you to know that I'm thinking of you all today.
I disagree Tom, you did do something to make things better. You went in. You risked going into a potentially hazardous situation, so she wouldn't be alone.You listened to her. You heard and acknoweldged what she'd been through.
You are a good man Tom. And when maybe enough time has passed for her, it's your kindness she will remember.
You made her space feel safe again, priceless and there is no box on a spread sheet to quantify that.Nice one Tom, take care of yourself too.
Thank You.