Helping a Friend
It is sometimes hard for a person in an abusive relationship
to leave or end the relationship. It is also hard to know what you can do to
help someone you care about who is being abused. Even if you want to do
everything you can to protect that person, the choice to leave an abusive
relationship or not can only be made by the person going through the abuse. But,
there are some ways you can help the person you know find their own way to
escape abuse and be safe.
The serious and painful effects of domestic violence could
impact the victim wanting to end their relationship. They may have been told
the abuse was their fault and they feel responsible. Even though the
relationship was abusive, they might feel sad and lonely when it’s over. And
there are many different reasons why victims stay, they may break up with and
go back to the abuser many times. Remember that it may be hard for them to talk
about the abuse.
Here are some tips that can help you safely use your cell
phone:
Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who you think needs help. Tell
them you are concerned
for their
safety and want to help.
Be supportive and listen patiently. Acknowledge their feelings about
their relationship.
Help them recognize that the abuse is not “normal” and is not their
fault. Everyone deserves a
healthy
relationship without violence.
Focus on your friend or family member, not on the abuser. Even if the
person stays with their
abusive
partner, it is important that they still feel comfortable talking to you about
it.
Be respectful of your friend or family members’ choice about the
relationship.
Give them resources in their community that can give them information
and guidance.
Help them develop a plan to end their relationship safely.
If they break up with the abuser, keep being supportive of them after
the relationship is over.
Even when you feel like there’s nothing you can do, don’t forget that by
being there and by being
supportive and caring-you are already doing a
lot.
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