I’ll never understand human beings. We are complex and complicated, with no two people being the same. I believe that we all want and need to be loved but our reality is far from that. If anything, there’s a lot more toxicity and hatred in the world where there should be love. Abuse is more common than you think and it can be happening to those around us. Abuse isn’t just physical, it can be mental too, which in my opinion is even more dangerous. Dealing with abuse though is something we’re not really taught on how to deal with or navigate. It can be hard to get out of an abusive relationship and just as difficult to help someone out of one. Hopefully with this advice, you can help get out of the abuse or to help out someone who may be in this situation.
Identifying the abuse
Identifying the abuse is the first stage to getting the help you need or helping others in a potentially abusive situation. We’re always taught to trust our gut and most of us know when something feels right. Abusive situations have their red flags, they make you feel uneasy or nervous and that feeling is there for a reason. If you think you’re being abused, take a step back at the situation and assess it. It might not be as easy to spot when it’s not physical but then even physical abuse can often be dismissed for something else.
If you suspect abuse is happening to a loved one, then identify what that abuse is. This will help you to gauge how best to approach the situation. A physically abusive relationship is one you don’t want to get in the middle of as this may cause you danger. Understanding what type of abuse is at play can help you make your next move safely for both you and the victim in the relationship.
Document the abuse
Documenting the abuse whether you’re the one being abused or witnessing/suspecting the abuse from afar is going to help further down the line. If prosecution is required to prevent the abuser from abusing again, then there will be a greater appreciation for documented evidence.
This could be keeping a journal, taking photos, video, or voice recordings. Speaking to people and expressing your concerns or evidence of the abuse is going to build up a strong case.
Speak out and get further help
There’s only so much that you or the person in that abused position can do without bringing any more harm to yourselves. With that being said, speaking out and seeking further help will certainly be beneficial. There are organizations that are out there to help with abusive relationships including abuse claims. The more you can do to help the person in that position, the better. If you’re in that scenario where you’re being abused, seeking the help of professionals will help you get safely out of the situation you’re in. Dealing with abuse yourself or with loved ones? Identify, document and get the help you require when the time is right.
Have you ever encountered abuse before? Share your stories in the comments below.
