It’s hard to talk to a friend when you think their behavior might be out of control, but if you feel they may be harming their partner you really do owe it to them and their partner to say something about it.
Make sure:
You are specific about what you saw when talking to them, let them know how it made you feel, for example, “I didn’t like it when you told (partner) they were stupid in front of all of us, I’m sure it didn’t make them feel great either”.
Take a stand, let them know as their friend you’re not going to sit by and watch them act that way
Give them a reality check, let them know their behavior is unacceptable and could even have legal consequences
Urge them to seek help, offer them support and let them know things don’t have to be that way. Advise that they talk to a counselor, a trusted adult, or even a family member
Offer to get information for your friend, let them know of local agencies that can assist, call our 24 hr. crisis line for local information about support and treatment for abusers
Don’t make them feel ashamed, most people who hurt others already feel insecure. Instead reinforce that you care about them, and hope they want to change their behavior too. It has to be their choice, or they won’t be successful in changing their behavior.
