His big hand lights on her shoulder and he squeezes gently. Where he comes from, this supportive, comradely gesture is common-- and brief. He does back up a little as he lets go, because he did see her actively thinking about letting him do it.

"I'm sorry," he tells her. "Cruelty like that is more common than it has any right to be." He hesitates for a moment, not wanting to overstep bounds, but ultimately offers, "Is there anything I can do for you?"