Friend is being abused, what can she do?

[Crpe]

I, like many people I know, spend most of my time online. Because of this, and because i see so many people struggling, i try to help as many people as i can. There is one online friend that i have known for a few years now, but recently we have been talking more. She is younger than me, and lives in Melbourne. I know she is who she says she is (i am very cautious with talking to people online), and recently i have learnt that her mother drinks quite a bit, and becomes very abusive. Mostly verbally abusive, as far as I am concerned.

Right now, her mother is yelling profanities and other harmful slurs at my friend, but she is not in any direct harm. I have given her the numbers of Beyond Blue and Kids helpline, along with as much other contact information that i can find. I know, considering I am a state away from her, that i cannot help her or be physically there for her, but i want to know what can be done. Are there any services or helpline numbers that directly deal with alcohol and child abuse?

I won't get more involved than i need to, as i know it is not my situation. I just fear for my friend's safety. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, so so much.

[geoff]

hello Crepe,it's good to know that she has a friend in you and being a state away it makes it very difficult to know that any advice you or anyone says to her is being followed through with, because if her mother takes hold of what is happening then the abuse may get physical, I hope not.
There are a few places she could contact, one being Al-Anon, Reach Out plus the ones you have mentioned, however I wonder if she feels confident to contact any of these sites, or whether she will be scared.
Are you able to disclose the age of your friend, because may change circumstances. Geoff.

[Emily9]

Hi there,

I think that one of the best things you can do is just be there for your friend. Make sure she knows that you are there for her, but don't push too hard. If possible, try and find out a bit more about her situation, just try give her some space and privacy if she needs it.

If you believe she is dealing with family violence, (which is physical abuse, not verbal like you mentioned) there are a bunch of groups and organisations that you can talk to to get her sine advice.

Do remember though, she might be very sensitive about this topic, especially since you haven't met face to face.

Hope this helps,

Emily 🙂

P.S I know I might be a bit confusing, and if I am I'm sorry for that 😞