How friends can help a domestic violence victim

You are always on rocky footing when domestic violence is happening to a friend you love. When we see an abuser isolating someone we love we often feel helpless and locked out. This is exactly what the abuser intends. Isolating a potential victim is a way for an abuser to increase control.

Carol Roach is a writer friend of ours who wrote an online article called How to Truly Be a Friend to an Abused or Battered Woman. She writes from her personal experience but also has a masters degree in counseling psychology.

Her article provides insight on how domestic violence effects friends and what was tried to help. Ultimately, she had to abide by her friend's decision. This can be the hardest thing that any of us will ever have to do.

Other ways that friends can help a domestic violence victim are:

• Listen when your friend wants to talk.
• Be nonjudgemental. 
• Find ways to help build your friend's self-esteem.
• Calling your friend will help break through the isolation.
• Be supportive in positive ways.
• Research domestic violence.
• Work with your supervisor or pastor to put up awareness posters to advertise the local hotline number.

You may have other suggestions on how friends can help a domestic violence victim. Please add your comments in the field below.

Carol also writes on Examiner about Women's Issues, mental health issues, and heath topics. She is also known for her work as a staff writer Factoidz.  Her articles are well researched and informative. The links above are included as a courtesy to our readers.