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my friend is getting abused at home. Her parents not only yell at her everyday for absolutely no reason, they also hit her. I’m genuinely so scared for her. She’s also currently seeing the doctor because of a medical condition and her parents even gets mad at her for that. I’ve asked her many times to get help from another adult but she doesn’t want to because her parents provide for her. But I don’t think beating your child is providing when you’re absolutely ruining their body, confidence and mental health. She looks so drained all the time but she puts on a smile and comes to school. I’m happy she opened up to me but I’m not sure what to do because she told me not to tell anyone.
I'm sorry to hear that your friend is struggling and that it's also impacting you. Ask your friend if you can accompany her to the counseling office or a trusted adult. You can also tell a trusted adult and they can engage her in conversation. The point is that this is a lot on your friend, but it is also a lot on you, and you need to ask for help from a trained professional. You can also encourage your friend to call the Child Abuse Hotline for your state. If you think she is in imminent danger, please tell someone or call police. Lastly, give your friend our contact information and encourage her to contact us on the app or call us at 888-222-2228. Make sure you are making your mental health a priority in your life. If you need to speak to someone, please contact us on the 2ndfloor app or call 888-222-2228 for a live counselor who can assist and support you.
It’s really compassionate of you to care so deeply for your friend and to recognize the seriousness of her situation. It’s understandable that she might feel conflicted about seeking help, especially if her parents are the ones providing for her. However, it's important to prioritize her safety and well-being.
Here are some steps you might consider:
1. Listen and Support: Continue to be there for her. Let her know she can talk to you without judgment. Sometimes just having someone who listens can make a big difference.
2. Encourage Professional Help: Gently encourage her to speak to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school counselor, or another family member who might be able to help. If she's seeing a doctor for her medical condition, perhaps she could also discuss her home situation with them.
3. Educate: Help her understand that what she’s experiencing is not normal and that she deserves to feel safe and loved at home. Sometimes, knowing that abuse is not acceptable can empower someone to seek help.
4. Talk to Someone: If you're really concerned about her safety, it may be necessary to talk to a trusted adult yourself. While she may have asked you not to tell anyone, your friend’s safety is the priority. You can approach this delicately, perhaps framing it as wanting to help her in a way that protects her.
5. Resources: Look for local resources or hotlines that specialize in supporting individuals in abusive situations. You could offer to help her reach out to them when she feels ready.
It’s a difficult situation, but your concern and support can be a crucial part of her journey. Remember to take care of yourself too, as supporting someone in such a difficult situation can be emotionally draining.
This is a safe space to share what's on your mind and to get support from real people.
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DISCLAIMER: 2NDFLOOR is a youth helpline designed to listen, help and guide youth in addressing challenges. Periodically, calls may be monitored for quality assurance and training purposes. You are assured anonymity and confidentiality, except in life-threatening situations. When receiving such an emergency phone call, 2NDFLOOR staff is required by law to report hurting yourself/others or abuse to the appropriate authorities. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
