How can I best support a friend in an emotionally abusive relationship?

[JaniceBing]

Evening all.

I'm not particularly close to this friend- to be honest I'd always thought she was more of an acquaintance. But recently she confided in me about some horrible things her other half had said to her and her kids, and how diminished she is feeling and the overall shit state of their relationship. I don't want to seem like I'm judging but I also want to scream HE IS ABUSIVE without scaring her off from sharing anything else with me. I just listened and validated her feelings and told her I'm here if she feels like talking again or if she needs anything else at all. Was this enough? I feel so terrible for her and wish I could just swoop her and her kids out of this horrible situation. I think she has just started to see the red flags but still isn't at the stage where she would want to leave him. I know it's not my job to convince her to either. Just wondering if there's anything else I should be doing to support her?

If kids are involved in domestic abuse, I think you have a duty to report it. Do so anonymously, deny having done it if asked.

It sounds like you said all the right things. The worst thing you can do in this situation is go in all guns blazing. It’s good she feels she can talk to you, and you’ve left the door open for her to confide in you again in the future.

@ThirdElephant

Report to who exactly ???

[quote gindreams]@ThirdElephant

Report to who exactly ???[/quote]
www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/

There's an online form on there, and a telephone number. It's under, 'If a child reveals abuse'.

Alternatively, you can contact your local council's social care branch, which you can find through this page:

www.actionforchildren.org.uk/how-we-can-help/worried-about-a-child/