I knew it was a problem,but this year hit different as I now have/had friendships with women in abusive relationships. Varying from physical/mental to just mental.

I was really close to someone going through it & it's kinda fuck me up to see the effects of it so close. I can't imagine how they felt. I felt like I couldn't really do anything. I was supportive,made sure I reminded them of their strengths,stayed positive,let them know I was there & did my best not push/pull too hard... but it's like none of it mattered. Everyday we parted ways,it was like a reset button was being hit. The day her abuser left(blaming her in the process) ,I thought she'd start to heal..but after a week or so, it was like seeing someone relapse. She verbalized that nothing mattered,not even herself,Just him. She was unable to call her abuser out for what he was and chased him unsuccessful & blame shifted toward me & that was it. Last time I saw her face, she seeemd mentally worse off & her eyes were filled with a disdain for me. Apart of me feels like I should have kept things skin deep, I ultimately did not help. I know 4 others in it & I don't know what to do. Silence isn't the answer but I can't say I feel like I actually help.

And all of the abuser's behaviors remind me childhood. And seeing as to the only other male by blood in this family grew up to be an abuser makes me wonder... how deep does this shit go?

Sorry,I just don't know how you address the shit. You can educate people on the signs,but I don't know how you help people who's minds have been turned against them. It really seems like they're alone until/if a day comes they're able to pull themselves away. It's fucked up.