How to Help a Friend Experiencing Abuse
If a friend confides in you that they are experiencing domestic violence, there are various ways in which you can
help them.
Here are a few suggestions:
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Believe what they are telling you and be understanding – the chances are that you are hearing only about the tip of the iceberg.
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Inform yourself as much as possible about domestic abuse/violence and the resources available to victims and survivors – check out the web, local libraries and health centers, etc.
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Be supportive toward your friend, reassure them that the abuse is not OK and not something they have to put up with, but don’t try to tell them what to do about it, let them make their own decisions knowing that you will be there for them regardless of their choice at that moment in time, even if it is staying with their abuser.
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You can provide practical assistance by accompany them to their GP or local hospital if your friend is hurt and needs medical assistance, or by offering your address for info packs or your telephone for phone calls.
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Help your friend to plan a safe strategy for leaving, bearing in mind that they will know what is and what is not safe, while ensuring that you don’t pressurize them into doing something which they may have doubts about.
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Remember to look after yourself while supporting your friend!
If you are Suffering Domestic Violence
If you are being abused, please Realize that it is not your fault, that you are not to blame for the abuse and violence and that there is very little hope of the abuser changing. Know that
there are many others who have experiences similar to yours and have survived, and that there is help and
support available to you.
Look after yourself and treat yourself as your friend. Learn as much as you can about abuse and don’t be
frightened of seeking support and help.