Understanding why someone may stay with their abuser By Nicole (eumoirous) Note: This article does not encourage staying in an abusive relationship, but rather serves to explain why people may remain in one so that it is easier to be an ally to a loved one who may be going through this situation. Having never been in an abusive relationship, it is easy to see one happening and not understand why the victim does not leave. It can be distressing to watch a friend get mistreated and to feel...

Disproving the myths of sexual assault By Jenny (coolkid98) and Cassie (Cassado) Did you know that an estimated 293,000 Americans are sexually assaulted each year? source] More than half of those victims do not report or receive any help for the assault. Sexual crimes are common but they are unfortunately not talked about often enough. Approximately 1.8 million teenagers in the United States have been sexually assaulted and 30% of those victims are relatives of their perpetrator...

Narcissistic abuse By Cassie (Cassado) Narcissistic abuse is most commonly a type of emotional abuse. However, narcissists can also use physical and sexual abuse to manipulate their victims. Emotional abuse is characterized as behaviors that can create an emotional trauma for the victims. Narcissistic abuse is when a person with Narcissistic Personality Disorder harms other people with their severe narcissistic traits. This article is going to explain the two main types of narcissists...

The cycle of domestic violence By Brittany (Aspire.) Overview of domestic abuse Every eighteen seconds, an act of domestic violence occurs. Although the common assumption is that it’s only women who are abused, that’s purely a myth. Domestic violence does not discriminate. Victims can be any age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or social status. While most people think that it’s easy to recognize abuse, the cycle of domestic violence is frequently overlooked. This generally...

Healing from an abusive relationship By Sammi (Orenda.) Leaving an abusive relationship is, without a doubt, a cathartic experience. Immediately following the end of the relationship, many people will experience feelings of relief brought about by the end of the situation, as well as a feeling of empowerment that comes with the realization that your life is once again your own. As the separation begins to sink in and feel more permanent, however, fears and hesitations may begin to set in....

Fleeing abuse By Chantal (MsNobleEleanor) What is abuse? Abuse is defined as physical violence, psychological, sexual, financial, controlling behaviours, and mistreatment. Abuse can happen to anyone by anyone. One example of abuse would be someone who lies and robs their victim. You can live with your abuser, work with them, live down the street from them; even friends can abuse you, or those who are in positions of authority. Experiencing any form of abuse impacts the individual...

Leaving an abusive relationship By Sammi (Metanoia.) Making the decision to leave a relationship that has become abusive or toxic can be a daunting thing to face. It inevitably raises many questions about how you will be able to end things with your partner and what will come next. While every situation is different, there are a few basic things that you need to be aware of when planning to leave, regardless of your exact circumstances. Reach out to those around you While it can be...

Living with your abuser By Cassie (cynefin) Living with an abuser can be a very triggering and even dangerous time for survivors of the abuse. By living with the person who harmed you emotionally, physically, or sexually, you are being re-exposed to a possible major trigger. You are also likely to be in danger if your abuser is prone to harming you again. This article will discuss a few coping techniques to utilize if you are currently living with your abuser, among other things....

Sexual assault forensic exam By Cassie (Cassado) A sexual assault forensic exam, commonly known as a rape kit, is an exam people get after being assaulted. Though the specifics of the exam can vary by country, it often includes genital swabbing, hair combing, photography, and the treatment of any injuries sustained from the assault. This article will discuss deciding whether or not to get the exam, what activities to avoid prior to it, and the different steps taken during...

What is gaslighting? By Cassie (cynefin) "Gaslighting" is a term that is used to describe a negative behavior that someone displays towards someone else. This article will explain what gaslighting is and suggest what to do if someone is gaslighting you, or if you feel you're behaving that way toward someone else. What is gaslighting? Gaslighting is when someone manipulates you into questioning your own sanity, even though your sanity is not what needs to be questioned. There are many...