What advice would you give someone who is considering talking to a counselor about the abuse she suffered but is afraid to even make the call because she knows it will give her abuser more ammunition?

Answer 1

She is medicating herself psychologically. Example: Taking medicine for cancer, instead of having the cancer removed. She is trying to get help, yet living with the abuser. She is doing it in reverse. First, make a good plan of action. Pack a bag, as her friend be sure you are there for her to lean on because it's terrifying for her and make an appointment with an abuse counselor at a Women's Abuse Clinic. If you can't find their phone # then phone information or see your Mental Health and they will help. Once you have that appointment then your friend can see the counselor and she will tell her what to do. There are "safe houses" or "Transition Houses" to protect her and no one knows where she is. If she goes to one of them, then she shouldn't let anyone know! She can phone you or family from a pay phone and simply say she is OK and will see them in a month or so. Remind her that she is stronger than she thinks and that abusers seldom change. Good luck Marcy Just do it and try to get away with keeping it secret. If you have to do it from a friends house, just do it. Get the help you need, you don't have to live like this. Everyone deserves happiness.