How to Help a Friend in an Abusive Relationship: Tips for Supporting Your Loved One

By Mary Campbell

It can be difficult to know what to do when a loved one is in an abusive relationship. You may feel like you are walking on eggshells, not wanting to say or do the wrong thing. The most important thing you can do is offer your support. Here are some tips for how to help a friend in an abusive relationship.

Tip #1: Listen
The first and most important thing you can do is to listen. Let your friend know that you are there for them and that they can come to you with anything. Offer a shoulder to cry on and an ear to lend, without judgment. It might not seem like much to you, but knowing that someone cares and is willing to listen can make a world of difference for someone in an abusive relationship.

Tip #2: Don’t Try to Fix the Situation
While it may be tempting to try to fix the situation or tell your friend what to do, it’s important to remember that this is not your decision to make. Your friend is the only one who can decide what is best for them. All you can do is offer your support and let them know that you are there for them, no matter what they decide to do. Similarly, you can suggest solutions without putting pressure on your friend to take a certain course of action.

Tip #3: Respect Your Friend’s Decisions
Even if you don’t agree with the decisions your friend is making, it’s essential to respect their choices. Remember, you are not in their shoes, and you cannot possibly know what is best for them. Moreover, even if the best course of action may seem obvious to you, people in abusive relationships often have a complicated relationship with their abuser.

Leaving an abusive relationship is not always as simple as it may seem, and there are often many factors to consider. Your friend may be worried about their safety, the safety of their children, or what will happen if they leave.

Tip #4: Encourage Your Friend to Seek Help
If your friend is in an abusive relationship, encourage them to seek professional help. There are many resources available to those affected by domestic violence, and a professional can help your friend assess their situation and make a plan for moving forward.

Tip #5: Offer Practical Support
There are many ways you can offer support, even without being directly involved in the situation. You can help your friend by offering to babysit, giving them a place to stay, or simply being there for them when they need someone to talk to. You can also show your support by attending a support group alongside your friend since attending these alone can be difficult. Finally, you can offer to go with your friend to court appearances or doctor’s appointments related to the abuse.

Final Thoughts
Abusive relationships are complicated and often very difficult to leave. However, by offering your support, you can make a world of difference for your loved one. Just remember to listen, respect their decisions, and encourage them to seek help. If you are unsure of what to do, there are many resources available to both you and your friend.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7323) in the US or contact your local police department. If you are an immigrant depending on your spouse for immigration benefits, visit www.askthelawyer.us