However, there are some basic steps that you can take to assist a friend, family member, colleague, neighbour or anyone that you know who confides in you that they are experiencing domestic abuse.
Approach her in an understanding, non-blaming way. Explain to her that she is not alone and that there are many women like her in the same situation. Acknowledge that it takes strength to trust someone enough to talk to them about experiencing abuse. Give her time to talk; don't push her to go into too much detail.
Acknowledge that she is in a scary, difficult situation. Tell her that no-one deserves to be threatened or beaten, despite what her abuser has told her. Nothing she can do or say can justify the abuser's behaviour.
Support her as a friend. Be a good listener. Encourage her to express her hurt and anger. Allow her to make her own decisions, even if it means she isn't ready to leave the relationship. Remember: this is her decision.
Ask if she has suffered physical harm. Offer to go with her to the hospital if she needs to go. Help her to report the assault to the police if she so chooses.
Be ready to provide information on the help available to abused women and their children. Explore the available options with her. Go with her to visit a solicitor if she is ready to take this step.
Plan safe strategies for leaving an abusive relationship. Let her create the boundaries of what is safe and what is not safe; don't encourage her to follow any strategies about which she is expressing doubt.
Offer the use of your address / telephone number for information and messages relating to your friend's situation.
