Chances are you have a friend whose name comes to your mind when you hear these statistics. Your heart breaks for her. When you questioned her, she denied it. However, she must first acknowledge the abuse before she can get help. How can face the fact that the man she loves is hurting her? What would everyone say? Her shame forces her to keep up the façade and pray things will improve. As her friend, you’re angry and concerned. You’re angry at her abuser, angry that she won’t stand up to him and angry that you are powerless to do anything for her.
What Can You Do?
- Continue to be her friend. You might be her only one. Most of her friends have bailed by this point. In fact, her abuser has done his best to isolate her from the people he feels might interfere. But don’t fall into codependency and accept her false excuses. Carefully question her so she knows you aren’t buying it.
