Although some victims may turn to their family, friends and other loved ones for support, others may be in denial about their situation. Nonetheless, friends and family may still provide support.

Tips for helping a loved one cope with abuse include:

• Acknowledge signs of abuse. These can include unexplained bruises, broken bones, sprains or other types of marks that may indicate physical abuse. Behaviors including withdrawal from friends or family and mood changes such as increased anxiety or depression may also indicate abuse.
  
  
• Recognize when they need medical attention. When abuse victims are in denial, they may not realize how badly they are hurt.
  
  
• Talk to them in private and let them know support is available.
  
  
• Tell them that they deserve better treatment and that the abuse is not their fault.
  
  
• Be supportive and non-judgmental.
  
  
• Do not force them into decisions. Although it can be difficult to see someone getting hurt, ultimately the person being abused has to decide to act.
  
  
• Help them take action. This can be done by offering to get them information (e.g., phone numbers of abuse hotlines or support groups), assisting them in developing a safety plan or helping them talk with another supportive individual such as a relative, primary care physician or mental health professional.
  
  
• Encourage them to report the abuse to local authorities, especially in life-threatening situations.
  
  
• Continue being supportive after they end the abusive relationship. Even though the relationship was abusive, some victims may still feel sad and lonely once it is over. They will need time to grieve the loss of the relationship.