Friend's injuries does not add up

Dear Christine,

I AM VERY CONCERNED about a friend of mine.

He is married to a woman who drinks quite a lot and recently I have been seeing him with various injuries and I wonder if his wife may be beating him.

Now Christine, I know this probably sounds far-fetched, but if you know this woman you wouldn't think so.

One night we went to play dominoes and he had a black eye.

Another time, I saw him limping.

And just recently he had a plaster on his head and when I asked him what happened he said some children in the area had been pelting rocks and one hit him in his head.

Christine, I am sure he was lying.

When this woman drinks, she becomes out of control (all his friends know that) and he is very timid and I believe that when that happens, she attacks him and he is ashamed to tell anyone.

Do you think I should be frank and ask him directly or should I just leave him to handle it in his own way.

- WORRIED FRIEND.

DEAR WORRIED FRIEND:

THIS is a very sensitive matter, but let your friend know that you care about him and want to help. Explain that you do not want to criticise his wife, or make accusations.

But if he does need someone to talk to, you are willing to listen. Let him know of your concern over his injuries.

If he maintains his injuries were not as a result of his wife's actions, as he said, then you'll have to take his word for it.

But I would also suggest you keep silent watch, just in case your suspicions are correct and his wife really becomes dangerous.

- CHRISTINE.