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.