How to Help a Friend Who is Being Abused

Abuse can be a difficult subject to discuss with others, so when a friend confides in you about the abuse in her life it's often difficult to know how to handle the situation. Abuse is a serious matter and your friend needs help right away; as a friend you can provide much needed emotional support while she seeks help.

Instructions

1. Tell your friend that you care about her and want to help her in whatever way you can. Let her know that it's not her fault that somebody is abusing her and that violence is never justifiable.

2. Help her find someone who can help. If she is being abused by her parents you can help her talk with a teacher or other trusted adult; if a boyfriend is hurting her you can help her talk with her parents about the abuse.

3. Respect her confidence and don't talk about her abuse to other people. Rumors will only hurt her more. In a situation as serious as abuse she deserves her privacy.

4. Provide support during the difficult healing process but don't pass judgment. Victims of abuse, whether it's child abuse or domestic abuse, love the person who has abused them and the road to recovery is often long.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice bruises on your friend, even if she doesn't admit to the abuse, you should inform a teacher or counselor. Sometimes victims of abuse are too scared to tell people and by telling someone you may save her life.