- 1). Locate critical phone numbers in your local phone book. These include the local police department, the local shelter for abuse victims, as well as a support group in which the victim can enroll. Put these numbers on one piece of paper. Keep a copy for yourself and give one to your friend. Program a prepaid cell phone with the numbers.
- 2). Establish a plan for worst-case scenarios. Discuss with your friend in private what you will be willing to do in a worst-case scenario so he or she knows what to expect. Ask a local abuse counselor what options he offers and when his services are available. When abuse occurs, photograph and log the abuse yourself, which keeps the information out of range of the abuser. Write down the date, time and details of each abusive situation as the victim comes to you. Have the abused sign, date and log in the journal as well. This log will serve as evidence should your the victim need proof in court.
- 3). Give your friend the prepaid emergency cell phone and explain all of the phone numbers programmed. Explain that if he feels threatened, he can dial 911 at any time. This phone can be purchased inexpensively at stores such as Walmart or Target. A limited number of minutes can be loaded onto the card for emergency-only situations. The phone allows an abuse victim to call for help or ask questions without the abuser's scrutiny.
- 4). Discuss healthy relationship alternatives such as couples therapy. Do not put down the relationship, or the the abuser. Instead, talk about how a healthy relationship should make your friend feel.
- 5). Establish an open line of communication. Make yourself available to your friend at all times. If you or your friend feels threatened, avoid confrontation with the abuser and seek help immediately.
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