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Are you concerned that someone you care about is experiencing abuse? As friends and family members, it can be difficult to know what to do when someone you care about is experiencing domestic violence. Yet you play a very important role in the survivor’s life. 

 

Maybe you’ve noticed some warning signs, including:

• Their partner puts them down in front of other people

• They are constantly worried about making their partner angry

• They make excuses for their partner’s behavior

• Their partner is extremely jealous or possessive

• They have unexplained marks or injuries

• They’ve stopped spending time with friends and family

• They are depressed or anxious, or you notice changes in their personality

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If someone you love is being abused, it can be so difficult to know what to do. Your instinct may be to “save” them from the relationship, but it’s not that easy. After all, there are many reasons why people stay in abusive relationships, and leaving can be a very dangerous time for a victim.

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Abuse is about power and control, so one of the most important ways you can help a person in an abusive relationship is to consider how you might empower them to make their own decisions. Additionally, you can offer support in various ways.

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For more information about talking to a family member or friend, download the PDF below.

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Source: The Hotline,