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.
When I made the decision to leave behind an isolated area in France and move to Spain, it was meant to be a fresh start—a chance for healing, peace, and a new chapter in my life. It was supposed to be my move, one I made for myself, to take control of my future. But,… Read More The Move That Saved Me
Domestic abuse is often shrouded in silence. One of the most insidious tactics used by abusers is isolation. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or financial, the act of isolating a partner from their support networks is an intentional and calculated move designed to make the victim dependent and easier to control. As an abuser removes the… Read More Moving to Isolated Areas: Escaping from the World
Domestic abuse is a devastating experience that affects millions of people around the world, yet for many, it can feel isolating and unending. I know this from personal experience. For years, I was trapped in a cycle of abuse that not only left physical scars but also took a toll on my mental and emotional… Read More Supporting Others Through Domestic Abuse: My Journey and the Path Forward
The escalation of domestic abuse over time is unfortunately common, and understanding why it happens can shed light on the complex, often insidious nature of abuse. Domestic abuse doesn’t typically stop or remain static; it escalates, sometimes over years or even decades, because it’s often rooted in power and control. The abuser’s need to dominate… Read More The Cycle of Abuse: Tension, Incident, Reconciliation, Calm
It’s important to recognize that abuse, whether physical, emotional, or financial, has devastating effects, not just in the moment but for a long time afterward. Each stage in that escalation is a red flag, and unfortunately, it’s a cycle that many victims are forced to endure. 1. The Escalation of Abuse The journey often begins… Read More The Escalation of Abuse
The devastating consequences of domestic abuse extend far beyond the individuals directly involved. Ignoring or downplaying past abuse is a dangerous practice, especially when it comes to new partners, children, and even bystanders who may unknowingly find themselves in harm’s way. Domestic violence is not just a series of isolated incidents; it’s a deeply entrenched… Read More Domestic Abuse is Rarely an Isolated Incident
Domestic abuse thrives in secrecy. When families cover up abuse, minimize its severity, or protect the abuser, they become enablers—allowing the cycle of violence to continue. This is especially true in cases of serial domestic abusers—those with a history of abuse across multiple relationships. When there is a pattern of abuse across two or more marriages, it cannot be ignored.… Read More Serial Domestic Abusers: A Pattern That Can’t Be Overlooked
Strangulation is one of the most dangerous forms of domestic violence. Even if you survive the attack, the effects can be immediate, delayed, and even fatal days or weeks later. It is not just another form of assault—it is a clear sign that an abuser has the intent and capacity to kill. This is why reporting strangulation… Read More Why You Must Always Report Strangulation: It’s Life-Threatening
When someone attempts to strangle you and then says, “I could have killed you, but I didn’t,” it is a chilling and deliberate act of psychological and physical abuse. This statement is not just a reflection of what happened—it is a form of intimidation, power, and control. Courts, psychologists, and domestic violence experts recognize this as a serious… Read More What This Statement Really Means
It’s incredibly common for individuals to feel safer in an abusive relationship than to step out of it, and it speaks to the complex nature of abuse, especially in terms of emotional, psychological, and even financial control. This phenomenon is often called trauma bonding, where the abuser creates a cycle of emotional highs and lows that… Read More The Cycle of Abuse (Trauma Bonding)
Linda C J Turner | Trauma Therapist & Emotional Healing Specialist 