To Friends of Abuse Victims
Things for friends of abuse victims to understand: When you have been a victim of any kind of abuse, one of the hardest things to do is to admit to yourself and others that you have been deeply hurt by those who should love and care for you. Whether you are an abused child or adult, the feelings of helplessness and fear you experience can be devastating.
If you know someone who is facing this kind of trauma, here are several things to keep in mind:
- A compassionate listener is of great worth to a grieving heart. You don’t need to solve their problems, but simply support them as they seek out the solutions.
- Be patient in the recovery process—it is a process.
- Know your own boundaries and be gentle and firm in setting them.
- You can’t fix them and you both need to know that. Reassure them in their own abilities to be find healing and encourage them in seeking professional help.
- Acknowledging a Higher Power can be a great comfort to you as well as them.
For more info: safespaceonline.org
To read more here: Healing Emotional Trauma and Building on the Light
