If you suspect someone you know is being abused, express concern, listen, and validate what they are telling you by letting them know that you believe them. Abusers often make sure family and friends never hear the verbal abuse or see the black eyes and bruises, and tell the victim “no one is going to believe you.” A colleague or relative can be perfectly nice in public and abusive behind closed doors. Abuse is about one person exerting power and control over another person. People who have been emotionally abused are manipulated into thinking they should stay. It often takes seven tries before a victim finally leaves a toxic situation.

Do not try to pressure the person into leaving and do not offer support with conditions by saying things like “I’ll help you
when you decide to move out for good.”

Avoid victim-blaming. Abuse is never the victim’s fault.