Recovering from Abuse: Reclaiming Your Strength and Power

No matter what form abuse takes against its victim, whether physical or emotional, its effects linger long after the last punch is thrown or final insult hurled. An abusive relationship can exist in many different circumstances, including a partner in a romantic relationship, an employer or co-worker at a job, or a family member. Removing yourself from the situation may be the hardest part, as victims of abuse possess low self-esteem. They also may fear the abuser's reaction to their attempt to escape from the relationship or to stand up to the abuser.

Things You'll Need

• Desire to better your life situation
• Confidence
• Perseverance

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Instructions

• 1

  Recognize that you are a victim of abuse and stop making excuses for your abuser's behavior.

• 2

  Find a friend or counsellor that you can trust with confidences. Talking about your situation can help relieve the stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation that abuse causes in its victims.

• 3

  Spend more time in the company of others who treat you with respect and don't diminish your level of self-confidence.

• 4

  Identify the aspects of your personality that allowed you to become a victim of abuse. Can someone easily take advantage of you? Do you put yourself or your abilities down in front of others? Do you allow others to physically harm you without defending yourself? All of these are characteristics that abusers seek in their victims.

• 5

  Work to change those aspects of your personality that you identified as problems. Friends can help with this, as can counselors and psychologists.