| If you have a loved one in an abusive relationship, | | | | from their abusive partner, as well as probably other |
| the worry and often guilt can be almost | | | | people in their life. You want them to think of you as |
| overwhelming. Why would they choose this person? | | | | the one person they can always turn to, no matter |
| Should I have said something earlier? Why didn't I | | | | what. In this way, they will be much more likely to |
| sense what their partner was really like when I first | | | | turn to you for help if and when they do make the |
| met them? What should I be doing now? | | | | difficult decision to leave their abusive relationship. |
| The questions will eat you alive if you let them. | | | | A sad reality is that people tend to repeat unhealthy |
| However, the important thing to focus on is what | | | | patterns in their life. Therefore, a scary possibility is |
| you can do now to help them get out of the | | | | that you might again find yourself watching your |
| situation and what you can do in the future to help | | | | friend begin a relationship with a dangerous partner. |
| them not get into a situation like that again. | | | | Hopefully, though, you will find yourself better |
| As far as what you can do now, the main thing is | | | | prepared to spot the danger signs having been |
| just to let the person know that you are there to | | | | through it before. Also hopefully, your friend might be |
| support them. Don't pressure them to make the | | | | more likely to trust you after you have helped them |
| decision you want them to. Also, don't pressure them | | | | once before. |
| to be in touch with you, to follow through on plans, | | | | The important thing to remember is to value your |
| or anything else that they may have become | | | | friend and let them know you are there for them. |
| unreliable at doing. They are under constant pressure | | | | |