How Can You Support Someone Who is Living in an Abusive Household?

These are some things to keep in mind:

(1) Abuse can be financial and emotional as well, watch for signs.

(2) Help them create a safety plan for different situations.

(3) Remind them that they are in no way responsible.

(4) Direct them to digital resources like virtual therapy.

(5) Recommend activities that they may be interested in.

(6) If necessary and you suspect the situation has got much worse, guide them to the nearest police station or medical facility.

(7) If you do not hear from them or the contact person for a long time, think about whether it might be appropriate to intimate their neighbours or other law enforcement agencies.

(8) Set up communication guidelines between both of you. Some examples are:

(i) Decide on the frequency of contact to check in on them;

(ii) Set pre-decided code words;

(iii) If possible, have a contact of a person who is in their immediate surroundings and can update if you in an emergency.

Image source: Nova Recovery Centre