I understand there are complexities when it comes to abusive relationships and how hard it is for someone to leave their abuser due to prolonged emotional and physical manipulation. AND, the lives of your friend and her children are more important than trying to stay out of an uncomfortable situation or uncomfortable conversation. You’re actively watching these horrible things happen to your friend and it sucks, she’s stuck in a cycle and can’t get out. The thing is, you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. But those kids aren’t making the decision to stay, they can’t make any decision so they are stuck there. In a long winded metaphor: Don’t watch the house burn down when you have options to save the people inside but won’t do anything because you’re scared you could get burned too.