It is great that your friend/family member has someone in their life who cares about them and wants them to live a violence-free life. However, remember:
If you are from a community that experiences discrimination from police or state authorities and don’t want to call them, you could also try contacting somebody who you know has the respect/power to resolve the situation without causing more harm and will not automatically take the perpetrators side.
Every relationship has its conflicts. However, here are some warning signs that can point to domestic violence:
(source: NFF)
While a good support system is invaluable to stop abusive behaviour, you are not responsible for “solving” the abusive situation or “saving” the person experiencing abuse.
The graphic above from the Neighbours, Friends and Family Campaign shows your limits, chances and choices as a bystander of domestic abuse.
If you witness disrespectful, threatening and dominating behaviour, you have a right to be worried. Additionally, there are certain contexts, which could make the situation particularly dangerous.
Men who are abusive will often minimise the impact and deny that they have done anything wrong. They may state that it isn’t that bad or blame the victim for their actions. This type of behaviour deflects his own responsibility for his actions. If he denies the abuse:
(source: NFF)