When an officer or staff member is assaulted, the impact can resonate beyond the workplace. In cases where there is physical injury, the support needed from family and friends might be obvious. However not every assault results in an injury but we have to recognise the every assault has a potential impact which may not be immediately obvious.
We all react differently and having family support and understanding can be really beneficial. Family might be the first to spot if a loved one's wellbeing is not as it should be following an assault.
Please have those important conversations with anyone who has been assaulted regarding how valuable family support can be. The decision to talk things through with family and loved ones is entirely theirs and if they would rather keep the assault confidential, that decision should also be respected.