Do's and Dont's

If you are supporting someone who is experiencing domestic abuse, there are some things you should take care to avoid doing.

It can be hard supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse, but you must remember that you are a very valuable life line for that person and should avoid doing anything which may jeopardize your relationship with them, leaving them isolated. Some of the things you should avoid doing are listed below:

Telling them what to do.
Letting them know you are disappointed if they don’t do what you have suggested or if they go back to their partner.
Making comments that imply they are to blame for the abuse,
Trying to mediate between the partners.
Confronting the abusive partner - this can be dangerous for you and for the abused partner.

Getting involved doesn’t mean you have to solve the situation. If someone turns to you for help and support it means helping them find their own answers. You cannot ‘save’ them and it is important not to be disappointed if they don’t do what you think they should. Leaving an abusive relationship is difficult, it can be dangerous and it may take time.