No one wants to see a dear friend living in a horrible situation. If you've found yourself reaching out to a friend in a relationship that has taken a turn for the worse, then I hope these tips will help. Here are 7 ways to help a friend in an abusive relationship.
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7. Research Abusive Relationships to Increase Personal Knowledge of the Situation
The more you know the bigger help you will be to your friend. Don't try to console a friend in an abusive relationship when you don't have any idea of what this type of situation entails. Do your research and gain as much knowledge as possible on abuse.
6. Don’t Confront the Abusive Person
You never know how the abuser will react to confrontation. The abuse might turn towards you or you could ultimately end up making things much worse for your friend. The less the other person knows about your knowledge of the situation, the better.
Frequently asked questions
5. Don’t Recommend Counseling
A couple who argues or who have severe differences in opinions can often repair their rocky relationship with couples counseling. However, when it comes to physical or mental abuse in a relationship, there is often an underlying problem which is much more severe. Counseling doesn't usually mend this type of relationship.
4. Reassure Your Friend She/he Isn’t to Blame
The abused person almost always feels it is his/her fault the abuse is taking place. Try to be reassuring when you explain to your friend that it isn't his/her fault. No one deserves to be abused for any reason.
3. Keep in Constant Contact
Call your friend often, meet up for lunch, or stop by to see how things are going. The more your presence is felt, the better. Your friend will know you care, the abuser might be less likely to be as abusive since he/she doesn't know when you will appear, and you'll be able to tell when things are taking a turn for the worse.
2. Locate a Safe Place for Your Friend if Need Be
Safe houses are provided for people in abusive relationships. Collect numbers, names, and the location of anyone you might need to contact at a moment's notice. Keep this information on hand at all times so you can access it no matter where you are. Assure your friend he/she has a place to go at any time.
1. Be Supportive
Listen intently and offer confidentiality in all your friend shares with you. Support can be provided without offering advice. Unless you’ve been in a similar situation, it’s best to get your friend in touch with someone who is qualified to give him/her advice on what steps need to be taken.
Should you ever need to use any of these 7 ways to help a friend in an abusive relationship, I hope you are able to put them to good use. Have you already used some of the techniques described above?
Top Photo Credit: iplayaccordion
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