How can you be a good support to a woman who has experienced abuse?

#4 Be a listening ear and know that you need to be there for the long haul. It is very common that a woman will need months or years to put a plan in place that will lead eventually to a better life. As outsiders, we often hear women’s pain and want to do something quickly to fix it. When women don’t act quickly to “get out” often friends and family grow frustrated and walk away from the woman. This leaves the woman even more isolated and vulnerable. The woman may just need to be listened to and encouraged. Whatever plans she may put in place are likely to be “baby steps” towards a better future. This is good! The only way any woman finds her way through the minefield that is abuse is through baby steps.