Circle of Abuse
Abuse comes in many forms. Quite often the abuser is unaware that their actions are abusive. Abuse could be part of learned behaviour. Many times it occurs because they have been hurt or were traumatized by some event beyond their control.
Silence: is one form of abuse. Criticism and constant put downs: another. Isolation: is really rather scary for there is nobody to turn to for help and quite often … this is the plan. (I’m shouting here, “victims beware.”)
Mind Games: can play havoc with your sanity. There are so many forms of fear: to be inflicted upon those that are defenseless and without hope. Know that accidents: can happen … yet most times recurring accidents are not self-inflicted. Bruises: can be hidden and broken limbs explained but the scars within … keep right on “hurting.” Stalking: is a whole other kettle of fish. There is no excuse for temper or anger: that results in “ physical violence.”
Sexual Abuse: is not the right of one human being over another!
Family and friends may be totally unaware of the “plight of the victim,” whom they love … for the abuser shows to the world a completely different and usually beautiful individual. In this regard … those that could possibly help often turn away … for they do not believe … that the abuse is real!
Unless abused ourselves none of us can really understand the massive damage that occurs to the victim. To ask for help is most often not something the victims of abuse can do. This statement is true. They are afraid of repercussions and sometimes also ashamed … for over time they have come to believe that somehow they … themselves … are to blame. This thought process is so very wrong! The victim should never be blamed.
How do we stop the insanity? On the outside looking in … how do we approach it? Where do we even begin? I do know that the threats are real and the scars that are left … sometimes never heal. Agencies for the abused: Hospitals … doctors … nurses … social service, women’s shelters, churches … the local police services.
(DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE … Hope is near)
