How to Help Someone Being Abused

Express your concern. Acknowledge that your friend is in a very difficult, scary situation. Let your friend know that the abuse is not their fault. Let your friend know that you believe them and that you are concerned about their safety. Encourage your friend to express their feelings and get help.

Remember that it may be difficult for your friend to talk about it.

• Respect your friend’s right to make decisions.
• Discuss this booklet with your friend.
• Offer to go with your friend when they seek help.
• Plan safe strategies with your friend.

It can be hard to watch someone you care about be abused, and you might not understand some of the choices they make. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has a great blog post about why survivors might stay in an abusive relationship.

• If you are a domestic violence victim, let the people who care about you help you.
• Confide in someone you trust.
• Only take steps that feel right to you.
• Discuss this booklet with someone you trust.
• Leave an “emergency kit” with a friend.
• Ask a friend to go with you when you seek help.
• Make sure someone you trust knows your plan to stay safe.