Helping Someone Facing Abuse
IN THIS LESSON
Now that you have learned the flags and signs to look for, let’s talk about how to intervene when you think someone is in an abusive relationship.
There are a few important things to remember if you’re approaching someone to ask about whether they are in an abusive relationship. Let’s review them.
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Make sure you're ready
Before talking to the person, make sure you feel safe and ready to discuss with them your concerns. They may not be ready to hear your concerns, and they may not be ready to hear you hear you out.
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Mirror their language
When talking with them about their experiences, reflect the language they use back to them. This reduces miscommunication and shows them you are listening to what they say.
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Being gentle
Being open, or feeling exposed, about facing abuse can be difficult. Whether it's because they're ashamed, thought they hid it well, or because they love and care for the person causing them harm, admitting to being abused is not easy.
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Ask directly
Ask directly if they are in trouble. As difficult as it is for you to ask, it's harder for them to be faced with the question.