Supporting Abuse Victims
https://vimeo.com/1089201660
Take a few moments to:
- Understand abuse's nature: Recognize that abuse involves systemic patterns of control, manipulation, and harm that erode self-trust and safety. It often includes isolation, gaslighting, and complex trauma responses that persist long after the abuse ends.
- Check your own reactions: Notice any tendencies to question why they stayed, suggest simple solutions, minimize non-physical abuse, or express frustration at perceived indecision, and set these aside to focus on their courageous reality.
- Prepare for protective ambivalence: Understand that expressing conflicting feelings about their abuser is a normal response to trauma bonding and manipulation, not weakness or poor judgment.
- Set realistic expectations: Recovery from abuse isn't quick or straightforward. Your role isn't to "rescue" them but to restore choice and provide consistent, patient support throughout their complex healing journey.