Abuse Defined (01:07)

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Abuse is hurting someone else, emotionally or physically. Both men and women are capable of abuse.

Non-Physical Abuse (01:15)

Non-physical abuse includes mind games and constant criticism. Victims of child neglect feel isolated from other kids because they do not have normal experiences.

Physical Abuse (00:58)

Physical abuse is touching without permission and with intent to harm. It controls our minds, by keeping us preoccupied with satisfying the abuser.

Sexual Abuse of Children (02:25)

Child sexual abuse is defined. Survivors talk about the emotional and spiritual effects of sexual abuse.

Long-Term Effects (01:22)

Abuse continues to have negative effects on our hearts and minds long after the fact. Changing this starts with understanding and talking about it.

Motives for Abuse (01:56)

Abuse is not the fault of the victim; the abuser is acting solely to satisfy his or her own impulses, such as frustration with someone else.

Denial (02:14)

Some people deny abuse to help themselves live with the pain and create peace. Some families hold together through secrecy.

Threats (02:55)

Some victims have been threatened, or feel love for the abuser or believe it is their own fault. Survivors describes threats against them.

Feeling Responsible (01:44)

Survivors adopt the feeling of responsibility for what happened to them to maintain an illusion of control. Survivors talk about why they thought something was wrong with them.

Dissociation (02:56)

Victims sometimes cut themselves off from what is going on as it happens; the consciousness becomes an outside observer. Minds can also repress memories and bring them back when we have the strength to cope.

Drugs as Coping Mechanism (03:21)

Some victims numb their minds with drugs or alcohol. Addiction treatment will require confronting the abuse. Other unhealthy behaviors as coping mechanisms are discussed.

Path to Healing (02:26)

Coping strategies that help us survive abuse will harm us if we continue with them. Healing involves breaking damaging patterns. Healing requires talking about the abuse.

Support Network and Healing Advice (01:58)

Rather than attempt to heal alone, survivors should surround themselves with a network. If you were strong enough to survive, you are strong enough to recover, but do not rush the process.

Credits: Understanding Abuse: Beginning the Healing (00:11)

Credits: Understanding Abuse: Beginning the Healing