"My Sister's Husband Hits Her"

3. Be non-judgmental. Nadia Islam explains, "There are many reasons why victims stay in abusive relationships. He or she may leave and return to the relationship many times. Do not criticize his or her decisions or try to guilt them. He or she will need your support even more during those times."

4. Get support. Don't be afraid to contact a trusted therapist or a local women's shelter for help and support. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE. Also, get support for yourself. Being supportive is difficult and emotionally draining; make sure you have someone you can talk to who will support you.

5. Stay in contact. Whether it's a letter, a phone call or email, stay in contact as best you can. Even if your friendship feels one-sided, don't take it personally. Abusers separate their victims from family and friends. Your weekly phone call may be all the contact he or she has with the outside world.

6. Know that you can't save them. You can't make someone leave who doesn't want to. As hard and as frustrating as that is, all you can do is be supportive. It often takes women seven attempts before leaving an abusive relationship. Be there for her each and every time.

Additional Resources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), 1-800-787-3224 TTY, or www.ndvh.org
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence www.ncadv.org
National Sexual Violence Resource Center www.nsvrc.org
Family Violence Prevention Fund www.endabuse.org