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First and foremost, keep your relationship with this woman at a friendship level. Be someone she can confide in. Make sure she knows how you feel about this man's actions.
You cannot do this alone.
If the basist friend is unwilling to discuss the situation, find another family member. Inform them of the level of abuse that you have witnessed. If you happen to notice any bruises, report them to a domestic abuse hotline. Begin documenting everything negative she confides in you about this man. Mark it on a calendar or make a list. Highlight verbal and emotional abuse that you have witnessed personally. When you have a solid list, show it to her. Have her look at every infraction, right in a row. Tell her flat-out that she does not deserve to be treated this way, ever. Explain that he cannot possibly love her, that he is only manipulating her. Assure her that he will easily move on. Compile a list of local resources that are geared for victims of domestic abuse. Tell her you'd like to help her start believing in herself. Tell her she needs to make the first step - by walking away from the cycle of abuse.
She fears a breakup because she has learned to fear everything. Keep this in mind and never yourself falter.
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"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq
"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy
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