Relating

Relating to Abuse

Journey to Freedom relates to the following forms of abuse:

1.  Physical abuse inflicts physical pain to the target. It includes, but is not limited to pinching, pushing, slapping, punching, throwing or breaking objects and brutal assault.

2.  Emotional abuse controls the target through using intimidation, guilt, fear, humiliation, coercion and manipulation. Self confidence, sense of self worth and trust in perceptions is slowly and steadily destroyed in the target.

3.  Verbal abuse makes the target believe they are crazy or there is something wrong with them. The abuser portrays a completely different personality in public than in private.

Many people wonder, “Why would anyone stay in an abusive relationship?”

The answer is very complicated. In short, targets of abuse tend to take on the responsibility for the abuse. They internalize the blame which leads to feelings of guilt. When questioned by a friend, family member or anyone, they will come to the defence of their abuser by making excuses for their behaviour. This leaves them feeling alone, helpless and beaten down thereby clinging to their abuser for survival.

That is until  …

“Strength will rise slowly within you when you feel knocked down to the degree that getting back up seems impossible.”        ~~Kathryn Lee-Ryder