“There is no life to be found in violence. Every act of violence brings us closer to death."
– Bell Hooks
Do You need to heal from any abusive relationship? Have you been the victim of spousal abuse? According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), approximately 29% of women and 10% of men in the United States have experienced either rape, violence or stalking by a partner.
Abusive Relationships: The Impact
Abusive relationships are downright toxic, leaving lasting scars -- some physical, some emotional -- while lowering the victim's quality of life. The problem, however, is that many victims continue to stay in these faux relationships (the relationship isn't real if it involves violence), knowing full well that they are being abused. Some choose to stay out of convenience; others choose to stay because they believe their significant other will change; and yet some stay because they fear of retaliation for leaving.
Victims of spousal abuse often feel withdrawn and oppressed in the presence of their spouse. Dr. Jeanne King, Ph.D., author of "All But My Soul : Abuse Beyond Control," has even coined a term for this phenomenon: interactional oppression. When a person is in an abusive relationship, he or she may feel oppressed when around their spouse. But when the victim is with friends or family, they'll feel more relaxed and at ease.
Abusing Relationships: The Road to Recovery
The first step towards recovery is to free yourself from the abusive relationship. Victims of spousal abuse often end up a vicious cycle where the abuser promises to "change" so they'll say together. The violence may stop for a while after this promise has been made, only for the abuser to revert back to his or her tactics. If you're in an abusive relationship, you must take a leap of faith by ending it so you can continue on with your life.
Some tips for Help in Recovery from Abusive Relationships:
- Surround yourself with positive people. Whether it's your best friend, mom, sibling or a coworker, you should surround yourself with positive people. This make the healing process much easier, as they'll offer emotional support to help you through this difficult time.
- Pamper yourself. Another helpful tip is to pamper yourself. This could be a day at the spa, going out to eat, or taking a mini vacation.
- Take care of yourself. Try to get into the habit of exercising and eating right, as this will benefit both your physical and emotional health.
- Avoid contact with the abuser. Refrain from calling, texting, or emailing your ex, as this may only restart the cycle.
- Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 toll-free at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Get the support you need to make important life changes. If you would like to complement your therapy with an alternative treatment option (or need a place to start), you might consider trying hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy can help you sort out your feelings and give you the courage and strength you need to move on with your life, set new goals, and rebuild an always damaged self-esteem.
Call for your FREE consultation. No pressure. No obligation. Let me help you understand what this might mean for you. Hypnosis and Life Coaching have helped many. Let it help you.
