My circle includes those who are smarter and wiser than I am. I try to ask a lot of questions and glean from their knowledge and experience. And when my perspective is wrong, I listen to their critique.
As we continue to share insight and encouragement for Silent Sufferers, today’s post will focus on the power of the written word. Like the movie, a friend was wise enough to write down the offenses her loved one endured. I would never have thought to do that, but sometimes seeing things in writing helps us to digest the gravity of the situation.
Abuse is a horrible evil. Google defines abuse as the repeated treatment of cruelty and/or violence.
While most of us only think of the physical or sexual, cruel treatment comes in many forms. Let’s remind each other by naming (writing down) the various types of abuse that most people aren’t aware of:
- narcissistic personality
- gaslighting
- emotional abuse
- financial abuse
- physical abuse
- psychological abuse
- exploitation
- sexual abuse
- neglect/abandonment
- institutional abuse
- human trafficking
- racism/hate crimes
If you find an unfamiliar word or term, take a minute to research its meaning. The power of the written word just might help you to digest the gravity of your situation.
To the Silent Sufferer:
Sometimes, abusers are family members, trusted friends, or loved ones who may not recognize their behaviors as abusive. Other times abusers lay in wait like leeches who to attack the vulnerable sucking them dry.
Either way, AWOGI wants to encourage you to (1) surround yourself with a circle of friends who will be honest with you; (2) heed wise councel; (3) learn more about abusive behaviors and tendancies that may be apparent in others and in you; and (4) use your voice to ask for help.
Abusive behaviors in adults may be a result of adverse childhood experiences (ACES). Click ACES to learn more. Written words are powerful and so is information. End the silence and begin a better way of life.