How do you know if a friend or relative is in a potentially abusive relationship? Be aware of these warning signs:
Is there a change in their behavior? Are they acting distant or cutting off contact with you or others they normally associate with?
Are they overly concerned with their partner’s approval? Is their partner overly controlling and jealous? Are they being blamed by their partner for everything that goes wrong? Are they not able to spend their own money without getting permission?
Are there often unexplained injuries for which they make excuses? Have they started to miss work or activities they normally participate in?
What do you do if a friend or relative wants to confide in you about their being a victim of domestic violence?
Listen to and support them without judging. Let them know they are not alone. Keep what you are being told confidential and don’t try to talk to their partner.
Let them know the abuse is not their fault and that violence is never justifiable. Their partner’s apologies and promises are only good until the next time it happens because they are not going to change.
Tell them about SafeSpace and encourage them to call for support. Help them make a safety plan but let them make the decision about leaving or not.