Considering telling someone about a family or friend’s offending can be incredibly difficult. The first step involves working out who you want to tell. This decision can be difficult and you might be worried about how they will react.
Think about your friends and family, and the times when you’ve provided a listening ear and support, even when you disagreed with their choices. This should help you identify people who would react in the same way and give the same level of support to you, regardless of the circumstances.
We suggest that you take things slowly and follow these steps.
- Choose a comfortable location, preferably one familiar to both of you.
- Make sure you have enough time and privacy for an open conversation, away from children.
- Set expectations before discussing the matter.
- Ensure they’re aware of the importance and difficulty of the topic.
- Highlight your struggle and the need for someone to listen.
- Request confidentiality and respect for privacy.
- Approach seeking support without pressure, respecting different reactions.
- Try understand the level of detail based on how well you know them.
- Understand that others might have their own experiences.
- Be open to different opinions and support approaches.
- Speak calmly and clearly.
- Provide opportunities for breaks.
- Allow them time to process the information.
- Understand they might need time to reflect.
- Respect their opinions, whether supportive or not.
If you have any concerns, questions, or would just like to talk about what you are going through, our non-judgemental helpline advisors are here to support you. You can stay anonymous and don’t have to give your real name or any contact details. If you’re not ready to speak to anyone yet, you can also use our live chat or send a secure email.
