I'm Seeing Bruises on My Friend

by Amelia
(South Carolina, USA)

We call our friendship, "Triple Trouble." We've been friends for over 40 years. Lately though one of our friends has been acting strange. She avoids me (well my other friend too) and I've noticed bruising on her arms and lower back.

She said she fell, but how many times can someone keep falling and bruise the same spots? I think her husband is beating her. She makes a moan when I give her a hug -- like she is in pain.

When I ask her about it, she changes the subject really fast. And says she is just clumsy. It is possible because we are old! But I am concerned that her new husband is hurting her. I have tried to talk to her repeatedly but she says to not worry about her.

How do I help her? Should I believe her that she is clumsy?

Desperate for my friend back,
Amelia