Often, the people who experience domestic violence are too afraid to speak out. However, there are many ways that you can help a friend or family member who is being abused. The most important thing is to listen without judgment and believe them, no matter what they tell you. It’s also helpful to have a safety plan in place if they decide to leave their relationship. This could include making copies of their driver’s license, bank accounts and other documents, identifying places they can go for help and emergency funds, discussing their situation with their lawyer or mental health professional, and creating a safety network.
A person experiencing abuse may show signs of being in an abusive relationship such as avoiding friends and family, visible bruising or unexplained injuries, calling their phone frequently “just to check in” or refusing to let them use it, being followed or stalked, or using social media to harass, intimidate or track their location. Other warning signs of abuse can be denying the victim access to money or financial information, denying them rights or freedom, restraining them from contacting family or friends and preventing them from attending work and/or religious services.
People who are abused tend to develop some kind of mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, as a result of their experiences. They may also engage in behaviors that harm their physical well-being, such as drinking too much alcohol or cutting themselves as a way to cope with stress.
About the Author
