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Dear Reader,
You are right in wanting to step in and remedy the situation, especially
because your girlfriend is being physically abused. However, you
really need to be sensitive to how your girlfriend wants you to
handle this, if at all. I wouldn't do anything before talking to
her first and seeing what she is comfortable with. She may want
to handle this herself, or get an objective, third-party mediator
involved. You don't want to force a confrontation between her and
her parents before she is ready to deal with the situation and the
consequences.
I think you should seek professional counseling, perhaps from a
social worker or a school counselor. (Or if you go to a church,
you could ask your pastor for some advice.) I always think it is
better to be safe than sorry when situations get physical and that
someone should step in and take action when appreciate, but you
both want to be very careful that you handle it correctly so the
situation doesn't get worse and blow up in her face.
In the meantime, you need to be extra sensitive and compassionate
toward her while she is going through this difficult time.
Listen to Her
Listen to her, acknowledge her feelings, and know when to just
hold her and love her, instead of trying to "fix the problem"
for her. Confront her parents only when the time is right and she
feels comfortable with the course of action.
– Hope
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