The Moment I Thought Abuse Was Over — And Why It Wasn’t

I was finished with abuse the moment I decided to move to Spain on my own. I had found a small, manageable, affordable property.It was realistic.It was sustainable.It gave me safety, autonomy, and breathing space. I was ready to start again — without chaos, without control, without fear. But I was convinced otherwise. I was told that… Read More The Moment I Thought Abuse Was Over — And Why It Wasn’t

Strangulation is not about the situation.It is about the person who chooses to use it.

The Short Answer Future partners can absolutely be in danger It is not “just that relationship” Strangulation is a marker of a high-risk abuser, not a one-off loss of control Why Strangulation Is Different Strangulation isn’t an impulsive shove or shouted argument. It is: A deliberate act A control behavior A willingness to bring someone to the edge… Read More Strangulation is not about the situation.It is about the person who chooses to use it.

Keeping it in the family

When bullying, abuse, and harassment “run in the family,” you’re not dealing with isolated bad behaviour — you’re dealing with a relational system that has normalised cruelty as a way of bonding, regulating power, and enforcing loyalty. This is recognised in psychology, trauma work, and increasingly in law. What it actually means when abuse runs in a family It… Read More Keeping it in the family

Mental cruelty from the family of an abuser — what it is

Mental cruelty by an abuser’s family occurs when relatives knowingly or recklessly engage in behaviours that reinforce, enable, excuse, or extend the abuser’s control, causing psychological harm and undermining the victim’s autonomy, safety, or credibility. This is sometimes called: Secondary abuse Proxy abuse Abuse by alliance Relational coercion They may not hit you.They may never… Read More Mental cruelty from the family of an abuser — what it is

Physical cruelty vs Mental (psychological) cruelty

Core difference (in one line) Physical cruelty harms the body Mental cruelty harms the mind, identity, and autonomy Both are abuse.Both are legally relevant.Neither requires “bad intentions” — only harm + pattern. 1. Physical cruelty Definition Physical cruelty is the intentional or reckless infliction of bodily harm, pain, or physical intimidation to control, punish, or dominate another person. What it… Read More Physical cruelty vs Mental (psychological) cruelty

Strong, intelligent women are not targeted despite their strength.They are often targeted because of it.

Here’s why, clearly and without myth. 1. Strength Looks Like a Resource to a Predator Abusive personalities don’t look for “weakness” in the way people imagine. They scan for: Competence Emotional depth Stability Social credibility Problem-solving ability Capacity to carry responsibility To them, this signals: “This person can absorb pressure, adapt, and keep functioning.” That’s… Read More Strong, intelligent women are not targeted despite their strength.They are often targeted because of it.

Protection

Why Police Protection is Paramount As we’ve mapped, when an abuser loses control over their “reward loop” (via boundaries or silence), their nervous system can trigger intense, impulsive, and unpredictable behavior. Police protection ensures that this peak danger does not translate into physical or legal harm. Impulse control decreases during the extinction burst. threats property damage harassment… Read More Protection

Threat Detection

This manoeuvre has a name and a function. What this tactic is called It sits at the intersection of: Isolation abuse Information control Reputation management / impression control Pre-emptive smear prevention In domestic-abuse and coercive-control literature, it’s often described as“restricting the victim’s social world to control the narrative.” What’s really happening psychologically When someone says… Read More Threat Detection