Tag: ABUSE

Abuse is a term that refers to the mistreatment, harm, or infliction of injury on someone, either through physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or other means. Abuse can occur in various contexts, including relationships, families, institutions, and broader social settings. It is a serious violation of an individual’s rights and can have profound and lasting effects on their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Exposing Predators: Why Secrecy Is Their Greatest Protection

When people hear the word predator, they often imagine a stranger lurking in the shadows. Reality is usually far more ordinary—and far more unsettling. Many predators are not obviously threatening. They can be charming, successful, generous, funny, respected, or deeply involved in their communities. Their public image often becomes part of their protection. The Psychology of… Read More Exposing Predators: Why Secrecy Is Their Greatest Protection

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When No One Takes a Vulnerable Adult Seriously: What Can Be Done?

One of the most distressing experiences a vulnerable adult—or someone advocating on their behalf—can face is being dismissed when raising concerns about abuse or neglect. Whether the response is disbelief, delay, minimisation, or complete inaction, the impact is the same: the situation continues without protection or resolution. So what can be done when systems, professionals, or… Read More When No One Takes a Vulnerable Adult Seriously: What Can Be Done?

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Looking Back: The Psychology of Isolation, Control and the Illusion of Choice

People look at the wedding photograph and ask the same question. “Why the rush?” Why the quick engagement? Why the quick wedding? Why leave behind a secure home, a career, friends and family to move to another country? Looking back now, the answers seem painfully obvious. At the time, they were invisible. That is the… Read More Looking Back: The Psychology of Isolation, Control and the Illusion of Choice

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The Past Doesn’t Always Stay in the Past

For years, survivors have carried an impossible burden. “Why didn’t you know?” “Why didn’t you leave?” “Didn’t you see the signs?” The truth is that many abusers do not introduce themselves as violent. They introduce themselves as charming, attentive, generous, funny, and devoted. The coercive control often begins quietly and escalates over time. A publicly… Read More The Past Doesn’t Always Stay in the Past

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Epistemic injustice.

A phenomenon that psychologists sometimes call normalcy bias, optimism bias, and, in some cases, epistemic injustice. When someone finally discloses domestic abuse and hears responses such as: “I doubt he’ll kill you.” “You’ll both meet someone else and move on.” “Every couple argues.” the speaker may think they are being reassuring. However, from a psychological perspective, they may… Read More Epistemic injustice.

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Why record it?

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment ©Linda C J Turner

The death of Katherine ‘Kat’ Torbick, a 43-year-old nurse and mother from Schaumburg, Illinois. Prosecutors allege that her former boyfriend, Kevin Motykie, subjected her to a prolonged assault that was captured on a recording device found after his arrest. Authorities allege the recording lasted more than seven hours and documented arguments, restraint, violence, and ultimately… Read More Why record it?

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The abuse develops gradually

Coercive control is often misunderstood because many people imagine abuse as a series of isolated violent incidents. In reality, coercive control is usually a pattern of domination that gradually strips away a person’s freedom, confidence, independence, and sense of self. 1. The abuse develops gradually The relationship may start with affection, attention, promises, and emotional connection. Control… Read More The abuse develops gradually

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