Approaching a Friend

If you think a friend is experiencing abuse but they haven’t said anything to you, you could ask them if they need support or information. If you decide to approach a friend:

• Make sure you are somewhere where they can talk without others hearing or interrupting - especially their partner.
• Maybe start by saying something like, ‘I’m worried about you because you seem unhappy ...’.
• Don’t push them into talking if they aren’t comfortable.
• Don’t be surprised if they are defensive or reject your support - it may not be the right time for them to talk about it.

If they downplay or deny the abuse or aren’t willing to talk let them know you are there to support them and wait for a sign that they are ready to talk.

“One good friend said that one day I would find the strength [to leave her] and that he and his boyfriend would support my decision. He was one of her closest friends and I started to think about things and talk to people and decided that enough was enough.” (Kim, 42).