Healing is a holistic and dynamic process that involves the restoration of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being after experiencing challenges, trauma, or distress. Healing is not just the absence of symptoms; it encompasses a journey toward overall wellness and a sense of wholeness. The path to healing is unique for each individual and may involve a combination of self-care practices, professional support, and personal growth.
If several of these warning signs are present, don’t ignore them or assume they will improve with time. Abuse often escalates rather than disappears. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, take those feelings seriously. Don’t allow yourself to become isolated from family and friends. Maintain your own support network. Continue your hobbies, work, and… Read More What to Do If You Notice These Warning Signs
Abuse rarely begins with obvious violence. It often starts with subtle behaviours that become more controlling over time. While no single sign proves someone is abusive, a pattern of these behaviours should never be ignored. Pay Attention to Their History Do they have a history of abusive or controlling relationships? Do former partners describe similar… Read More Warning Signs of Abuse in a New Relationship
One of the most painful experiences for survivors is not just the abuse itself. It is watching people explain it away. A bruise becomes “an accident.” A threat becomes “an argument.” Years of coercive control become “marital problems.” A criminal conviction becomes “a misunderstanding.” A medical report is dismissed. A psychologist’s assessment is questioned. Photographs… Read More How Much Evidence Is Enough Before We Call Abuse What It Is?
Abusive people rarely introduce themselves as abusive. Many are charming, successful, funny and well-liked. Friends, neighbours and colleagues may describe them as kind, generous or helpful. That is why it is so important to look beyond first impressions. Abuse is rarely revealed by one incident. It is recognised through consistent patterns of behaviour over time. Don’t… Read More Looking Beyond First Impressions: Recognising Patterns of Abuse
It takes enormous courage for someone to disclose domestic abuse. Many survivors have spent months—or even years—wondering whether anyone will believe them. By the time they tell you, they may have rehearsed the conversation hundreds of times in their head. They may be terrified of being judged, blamed or dismissed. How you respond in those… Read More When Someone Tells You They Are Being Abused: Your Response Matters More Than You Think
For generations, families have repeated the same phrases: “Don’t make a fuss.” “Keep it in the family.” “Think of the children.” “Don’t tell anyone.” “You’ll ruin the family.” “Just keep the peace.” On the surface, these words may sound like they are protecting the family. Too often, they are protecting the abuse. Silence Gives Abuse… Read More “Keep It in the Family” Can Be Dangerous: Why Silence Protects Abuse, Not Victims
15 Days from Freedom Fifteen days from freedom. Of course, he chose today. By now, I wouldn’t expect anything less. Three years ago, I made a choice I deeply regret. Despite my knowledge and experience in trauma therapy, I believed I could manage the situation once I escaped the isolation of France. I convinced myself… Read More “Your Body Knows Before Your Mind Accepts It.”
That is one of the questions almost every survivor asks themselves: “Why could everyone else see it, and I couldn’t?” The answer is usually much simpler—and kinder to yourself—than you think. You didn’t meet the person everyone else eventually saw. You met the version of him that was charming, attentive, affectionate, and convincing. Abusive people… Read More “Why could everyone else see it, and I couldn’t?”
No survivor of abuse wakes up and says, “Today, I’ll spend my time in a police station, reporting the person I once loved.” No one who is already fighting just to survive chooses to put themselves through the overwhelming stress of making statements, giving evidence in court, and reliving their trauma in front of strangers. The idea… Read More Deeply Harmful
Sometimes it feels as though every time one question is answered, another emerges. Just when you think you’ve reached the end, another letter arrives. Another email. Another message. Another person quietly steps forward and says, “There’s something you should know.” Some knew him years ago. Some knew him in another country. Some knew him long… Read More Does It Ever End?
