Topic Monday: Domestic Violence Series–7 Things To Do When Someone You Loved Is Abused
Watching a child, sibling, parent or friend that you love being abused is one of the most difficult thing. More than anything you want to protect them and even shake some sense into them. You know there is so much better for this person.
So what do you do?
- Pray—more than anything this person needs your prayers and God’s help through this situation.
- Show unconditional love—show love to the person. You don’t know what they are being told behind closed doors.
- Don’t Judge—it’s hard to understand why someone stays in this situation or even how they ended up in such a situation unless you’ve been there yourself. Don’t judge!
- Stay out of it—sometimes the best thing you can do is say nothing at all, other than “I love you,” “you deserve better,” “I’m here for you.” Giving a tirade or constantly inserting your opinion only creates a tug of war. You don’t want to force your loved one into having to choose.
- Be There—let the person know you are there, whether it is a shoulder to cry on or a place of refuge.
- Clear Boundaries—don’t be pulled into the drama. Set clear boundaries of what you will and will not tolerate or be willing to do or provide.
- Pray—this is too important not to list again.
Often we want to help, but the best thing is to do nothing except pray. Ask God for discernment and wisdom to know what to do and what to say in the given situation. Also, remember that every situation is different.
What have you done for a loved one that was abused?