How To Help a Friend or Family Member

Recognize

  • Know the difference between a green flag and a red flag.

Respond

  • Reach out and express your concern about their safety and well-being.
  • Let them know you’re there to help and you genuinely care.
  • Validate their struggles and make them aware that the abuse is not their fault.

Refer

Reach out to a trusted adult or speak with a Green Flags pro:

Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

For support outside of these hours, please view this list of community resources.

If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911.

 

Key Things to Keep in Mind

Watching someone you care about go through an abusive relationship is tough. If someone that you know is in an abusive dating relationship, it is important to get help safely. The most important thing is safety, for them and for you.

There are many things you can do to help them stay safe.

  1. Reach out and express your concern about safety and well-being.
  2. Let them know you’re there to help and you genuinely care.
  3. Validate their struggles and make them aware that the abuse is not their fault.
  4. Provide support through the resources provided above and let them know they’re not alone.
  5. Avoid judgment and respect their decisions, even if you disagree.
  6. Encourage them to engage in activities outside the relationship and reconnect with friends and family.
  7. Understand that change must be their own decision, and you can offer support along the way.
  8. It is dangerous to tell someone to leave a relationship, especially if they don’t have a plan for safety.

 

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