2007-10-15 00:29:31 · 4 answers · asked by Keri M 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I have a friend, a pen pal from my home school program, and she is an abused child. I have offered to help her, and even offered for her to go to the authories for help, but she refuses it. How can I help her??
2007-10-15 00:30:44 · update #1
I was an abused kid, and I don't think I would have accepted any help from the authorities, either. I wouldn't have wanted to break up my family.
I think the most you can do is keep being friends with the person, so they have at least one person in the world they can really talk to. Or possibly escape to, if it comes to that. Respect that person's feelings and decisions. Sometimes a dysfunctional family is better than no family at all.
2007-10-15 00:57:03 · answer #1 · answered by Madame M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been numerous studies that no matter how the parents treat their kids, most kids still want and strive to get their parents to love them. Yet, I find it odd that these people are telling you to respect her decisions. Let's say you keep your mouth shut and she's beaten so badly she ends up in the hospital, or worse -- dead. You could have tried to stop that...
You need to go to your parents and/or authorities with this one, even if your friend hates you afterwards. Hate is better than death...
2007-10-15 10:05:36 · answer #2 · answered by Thinking 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you need to accept the fact that you may not be able to help. and that is unfortunate. So just be strong and be an example to this person. Be a friend. The person may just ask you when they are ready as to what to do.
2007-10-15 07:44:26 · answer #3 · answered by gdc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry your friend is in a situation like that.
Be supportive by being there for her. The most important thing she needs now is someone on her side, who she can trust, can tell her story to. Someone who can listen.
2007-10-15 07:40:28 · answer #4 · answered by Jane V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋