Dear Mia,

It is very important for the abuse to stop. The best advice that you can give her is to tell a trusted adult at school about it. They are trained to help children who they suspect may be abused get the help that they need. It is possible that her father has issues of his own, particularly trying to raise his children without their mother. Letting someone know could result in her father getting the help that he needs as well.

If you cannot convince her to tell someone, then it is important for you to tell someone that can help. Once a principal, school counselor, teacher, or other school staff are told, they are required by law to make sure that your friend is safe. Even though she doesn’t want anyone to know about it, that’s exactly what needs to happen for this situation to change and improve. Having a friend who is angry at you for letting someone know is far better than having a friend who continues to be abused.