how can i support someone experiencing abuse?
be a safe space. listen without judgment. everyone deserves a healthy, respectful relationship.
help them make a safety plan.
remind your friend that abuse is never their fault. everyone deserves a healthy, respectful relationship.
learn to recognize the different types of abuse and warning signs so you can better support them.
what can i do to help a friend?
when someone you know is in an abusive relationship, it can be hard to know how to help.
here are three ways to support a friend experiencing abuse.
way 1 of 3: listen without judging
empathize with their experiences and ask questions to understand them better.
create a safe place where they can share their experiences openly and honestly.
let them know you will not judge or criticize them.
way 2 of 3: turn to a trusted adult
you don't have to handle this alone.
relationships are tricky, and supporting a friend alone can be harmful to you and them.
ask them if they have an adult they can trust, or share a trusted adult you know.
way 3 of 3: take care of yourself
your well-being matters too.
while you support your friend, it's important to take care of yourself. supporting someone through an abusive relationship can be hard to handle alone.
reach out to trusted people in your life who can offer you support and guidance.
you learned three ways to help
you can make a difference by being there for a friend.
- listen without judginglet them share without pressure or criticism.
- turn to a trusted adultyou don't have to figure everything out alone.
- take care of yourselfyour well-being matters too.
learn about different types of abuse, recognize warning signs, and reach out for support when you need it.
think about it
what are three ways you can support a friend?
why is it better to offer choices instead of telling someone what to do?
who is a trusted adult you could turn to for help?
need support?
if you’re worried about a friend, you don’t have to figure it out alone.