Helping a friend without handling it alone
Being a good friend does not mean fixing everything yourself. The safest help often means bringing in a trusted adult.
Everyday examples
- Listen without judging, and believe your friend.
- Do not confront the person who is hurting them.
- Go with them to tell a trusted adult, or tell one yourself.
One next step
Help your friend find one trusted adult. If they may be in danger now, get emergency help.
Remember
- Abuse is never a child's fault.
- You do not have to collect proof before asking for help.
- You are not responsible for stopping adult violence.
- You do not have to physically intervene or protect everyone yourself.
- You can care about someone and still need protection from them.
In immediate danger, call 911 when it is safe to do so. Choosing any button on this site does not dispatch help or file a report.