What should I do about my nephews girlfriend hitting him?

[Anonymous]

My nephew is 19, and his girlfriend is either 18 or 19. We all live in my mother's house. Their room is right next to mine. Last night I heard a LOT of ruckus. It sounded like someone kept stomping on the ground. I'm pretty sure his girlfriend was drunk, because she has a drinking problem. Anyways, I went downstairs this morning, and saw he sleeping on the couch, and my nephew was sleeping in their room. I left to go on a walk, and when I Came back, she was up in the kitchen. Long story short, she said that she slapped him across the face. I guess they were arguing because my nephew doesn't have a job. This is obviously domestic abuse. Should I go straight to reporting her?

[Oliverlogan263]

Woah, that's not cool at all bro. Hitting your boyfriend is never okay, drunk or not. You definitely need to step in here.

I'd start by telling your nephew privately that you overheard the fight and are worried about him. Make it clear you're on his side. See if he opens up about other times she may have gotten violent.

Next, have a talk with the girlfriend. Calm but firm, say the slapping is unacceptable and can't happen in this house. If there are more incidents, you'll have to involve the police for his safety.

Also discreetly let your mom know what's going on so she's aware, in case you do need to report it officially down the line. But give the girl a chance to change first.

Keep an eye on them both from now on too. If you hear anything else or see marks on him, then it's time to get the authorities involved no question. His well-being comes first here.

Best case, a serious warning is enough to make her get help for her issues. But be ready to act fast protecting your nephew if she doesn't straighten up. You're doing the right thing looking out for family.

[Billlewis]

I don't think you should do anything, at least not right now. If your nephew is really upset about her slapping him, he knows what to do.

[MsProsperity]

She’s young, she should be staying with her parent or family. Tell your nephew he’s so young to be stressed by a female, let him dump her

[Vesuvius87]

Get her evicted from the house and inform her if it doesn't stop, you'll involve police.

[dustybiker2]

Kick her out. Or have her kicked out for disrupting the household.

[Staximus]

Tell her to go home and not come back to the house

[LiamJHayden]

Hard to say. I do not understand it, but a lot of people stay with abusers.

[Anonymous]

Tell him to grow some balls and get rid of her.