Advice to support friend

[FlyTipper]

I have a friend I suspect is in an abusive relationship. I want to stay close to her, offer help, shoulder to cry on etc. At the moment, I'm deliberately keeping my opinions wrt her husband to myself. She knows there is a problem. His family and her sister have all said there is a problem. My question is how can I best support her through this? I desperately want to shout out what I see...but I'm one outside, what I see are only subtle signs (I would class as red flags) and what she tells me. Also, I don't want husband to cotton on to what I think as I fear he may insist we don't see each other anymore, and then I'll be no help. Plus, I'm wary of being a busybody, intervening and commenting on things that are beyond my personal interests. Is this the right approach?

I think it's important to share how you're feeling with her. She's a good friend of yours, and although she may be taken off guard, shocked or even defensive, she will understand the concern. I think it's really important for you to be honest with her, maybe go on a walk, suggest a spa day or lunch and eventually express your concern in the most sensitive way possible. Just say you've noticed a couple of things that have concerned you and that you love her and want to make sure she's ok, if she ever wants to talk, you're there for her.

I think she reports everything back to husband. He reads all emails for example. Yes, I want to be open but slightly cryptic too iyswim.

I think it's probably good for you to tell her how you're feeling. When I finally left my oh lots of people said that they had been concerned for me. I literally had no clue.
I had been in such major denial.
Even if it doesn't work now, it will be a small seed

Hmm. Yes, good point. God, I hope the seed will grow.