Question

What advice would you give to yours friend who has been suffering from domestic violence

Answer 1

Answer:

If you would like to support a friend or family member experiencing domestic violence then follow the following tips:

1. Believe: Do not deny the abuse and do not judge them. Show your support no matter what they decide to do about their relationship.
2. Respect their feelings: In cases of domestic violence, victims need their feelings validated. To ignore the abuse and sweep it under the rug is wrong is a crime.
3. Discuss Safety: Talk to your friend about shelters and other safe places. Inform him/her about NGOS’ who provide free legal advise to such cases. Discuss how to obtain their services.
4. Encourage them to seek help: Accompany them if they need your help. Provide support to places like shelters, legal aid, etc.
5. Listen: Find a quiet place where you can talk safely and listen to him/her. This is one of the most important things you can do. Remember that they are confiding a secret matter in you.
6. Do not advise: You should not advise, especially when your friend confides him/her grief first to you. The best thing to do is to help your friend reach their own decisions about what to do and when to do it. Help them identify their own options and consequences which might follow.
7. Keep in contact with them: One of the things abusers do is isolate the victim from family and friends. Keep in contact with your friend as much as possible, by phone or mail at least, to ensure that him/she has a link with the outside world.