Recovering from Abuse

It Shouldn't Hurt to Be Nice

A great deal of our social programming works at turning us all into people-pleasing, insecure, doormats. I’ve worked really hard to derail that programming in myself, but now I’m seeing it in my son. He’s eight years old and a very loving, compassionate little boy. He wants everybody to be happy. Unfortunately, he goes to public school with kids who come from dysfunctional and abusive families and they see him as an easy target. Don’t get me wrong, my son can defend himself when he reall

Finding a Sense of Purpose After Abuse

Many victims of domestic violence, or other forms of abuse, feel entirely worthless, that they have nothing to contribute. If you feel this way, I assure you that you do indeed have a purpose and value to contribute. Those who told you that you were worthless did not know you. They couldn’t see you. They were wrapped up in their own feelings of worthlessness and projecting it onto you. Knowing that we can help someone else, that we are helping someone, is a powerful way to boost our self-este

The Power to End Abuse

It is with great love and compassion that I, as an abuse survivor, share these words. I cannot stop abuse for anyone else; only for myself. In fact, no government, shelter, or activist has the power to stop abuse of anyone. The power to end abuse lies solely with each and every individual who now believes themselves to be a victim. Our society has programmed us to believe that we are victims of others, of institutions, and of circumstances. It has benefited those in charge because it keeps