When A Loved One Is Being Abused
The Last Resort
Suppose you try everything, and it still doesn't work. What if your friend suffers too horribly as a result of you remaining in contact? What if she asks you to stop?
This happens. It's not your fault, and it's not hers. Unless a local women's Advocate suggests otherwise, I would say that it is best to respect your friend's wishes. Agree to stop. But tell her this: "If you ever need help, if you ever decide you want to talk or need a friend or anything -- I don't care if it's twenty years from now, and we haven't spoken in all that time, you can always call me. Remember that. You can always, always call me."
It may be a long time. Maybe she'll call, and maybe she won't. But the memory of you, and the knowledge that you are there, will give her comfort for the rest of her life.
