How to Support a Friend
Practical tips for helping someone you care about who may be experiencing abuse.
It can be hard to know what to say. Our Supportive Statement Generator can help you craft a caring message. You provide the context, and our AI assistant will suggest a kind and encouraging note you can share.
Try the Statement GeneratorLet them know you're a safe person to talk to. Avoid giving advice right away. Just listen and validate their feelings by saying things like, 'That sounds incredibly difficult,' or 'I believe you.'
Gently ask if they feel safe. You can ask, 'Are you worried about your safety?' Help them think about a safety plan, but don't pressure them. You can point them to resources like the ones in this app.
Leaving an abusive relationship is complex and dangerous. Respect their timeline and their choices, even if you don't understand them. Your role is to support, not to control.
Instead of saying 'Let me know if you need anything,' offer concrete help. For example: 'Can I watch your kids on Tuesday?' or 'I can help you look up local resources.'
Supporting a friend in this situation can be emotionally draining. It's okay to have your own boundaries. Make sure you have your own support system to talk to.