[Billcat]

Lettie and Accymel make some very good points. Be a good friend, and let them know that there are ways to get help.

I'll ask Lettie and Accymel, as they have the real-llife experience. I'm sure that a lot of the victims don't tell their families. If I had a friend in such a situation, I don't know if I would tell their family, but I sure would encourage them to do so. It's amazing how helpful relatives, especially parent and siblings, can be when there is a real need.

My best friend's sister-in-law, a very lovely lady, had an estranged husband who would come by and beat her (she had separated for that very reason). We never committed violence in return, but her father, my friend, myself and a few others made sure the fellow knew in no uncertain terms that we would call the law and take all steps necessary to protect her if the behavior did not cease immediately. Fortunately, he was not inclined to test our resolve.