Abuse is a situation where an individual is treated in a way that is harmful and damaging. Abuse has no boundaries of age, gender and can occur to anyone. Some common types of abuse include physical, emotional abuse, financial abuse or exploitation, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and child or neglect or abandonment.
According to a report by The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 30 percent of women in India between the age of 15-49 have experienced physical violence. The report also revealed that 6 percent of women in the same age group have experienced sexual violence at least once in their lifetime and about 31 percent of women have experienced emotional, physical, and sexual violence by their spouses.
Many might hear of someone being in an abusive or unhealthy relationship and wonder why can’t they “just leave”. Parting away from an abusive relationship is difficult for multiple reasons. Common reasons why people in an abusive relationship cannot leave include normalized abuse, shame, fear, intimidation, low self-esteem, lack of resources, disability, immigration status, cultural context, love, and children.
Every situation is unique and therefore there are certain ways that you could provide help and support for a friend or someone you know in an abusive relationship.
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Try not to be reluctant to contact someone you think may require help. It is important to make sure that the person is open and willing to accept your assistance. Focus their safety and security in your concerns, and telling them you are free and want to help.
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Respect their decisions, be supportive and listen calmly. Make sure to emphasize that the abuse is not their flaw and they deserve a respectful relationship. Keep supporting them regardless of you disagreeing with their choices.
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Creating a safety plan that works for their needs. Help them with a way to respond in case of a crisis that can include contacts of people in case of emergency. Creating code words or “safe” word that can be used to let you know if they are in danger without an abuser knowing
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Help in creating an emotional safety plan, that includes activities that can be done together. Abuse is often less frequent in a certain situation that involves people around.
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Identify resources that can support your friend or someone you know in abuse including community services, support groups.
No matter the reason, leaving any kind of relationship can be tough and strenuous. It becomes impossible in an abusive relationship without the right support.
Importance of Professional Counseling: A friend or family member may listen to you, but they aren’t professionally, technically qualified or experienced to offer you professional advice. If you wish you can contact us at MindTribe to receive help from our team of expert psychologists.
About MindTribe.in.
MindTribe Founder Dr. Prerna Kohli, India’s eminent psychologist, established the company to leverage the strength of the online to make counseling affordable and accessible to everyone. MindTribe provides counseling, workshops, support groups, forums, and eLearning.
About the Author.
Bhavyakirti Kumari Jhala is a psychologist at MindTribe.in. You can learn more about her by clicking here
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MindTribe.in, the Founders, or management team.
Acknowledgement: All images used are open source and from Unsplash.