PLEASE Help My Friend

[JBD]

Hi. So I'm just gonna explain the whole story.

I have a friend... let's call her Ashley. So Ashley has an abusive father. Like, really abusive. She won't go for help, and I'm scared for her safety. She cuts herself as well, and she's starting to think she deserves all the pain inflicted by her dad. Here's some stuff her father did to her:

He stabbed her. This was a little while ago. He snuck up behind her and stabbed her in the leg (I think...) and she later passed out and her brother woke her up bleeding on the bathroom floor. She didn't go for help... and no one knew except for her brother, who she told not to say anything.

One time last week she already ate dinner, and her father came home with all this sushi and she said that she was full, so he physically forced it down her throat and would not let her leave the table until she ate it all.

Randomly on AIM she says "FUCK. BRB." because her dad is coming up the stairs, so she has to go hide. I'm really worried.

Here's what conclusion I've come to after talking to her:

-Her siblings love her dad, so she doesn't want to get him sent away because they'll be sad.
-She thinks she deserves it.
-She's scared of him.
-She's "used to it" by now.

...please help. I'll give you more information if I can. I just am really worried, and she refuses to go for help. She's tried suicide a few times, and has been sent away, but she still cuts herself now.

I really like her... and she doesn't deserve such abuse... and she won't even realize it. What do I do?

[Casey.]

Hey there,

So it sounds like you are a really concerned friend. Have you tried telling her how scared you are, and that it's not her fault that it happens? I know she might not listen, but try telling her again, be calm and don't get angry, just keep talking to her.

There is only one thing you can do, besides being there to support her. You can tell someone, if she goes to your school or lives near you. If she's in internet friend,you can try getting her to tell someone. It's not a healthy place for her to be, she shouldn't have to be afraid of her father, and it's only a matter of time before he hurts the other kids. If you think she's in danger, and she goes to your school, tell your school counselor, or even tell your parents. Let someone know that she's not safe there, but only if you really believe that she is endanger. She might be angry at first, but that's to be expected. Just do what you think is best.

If you need anything, feel free to pm me. Take care.