How to feel safe after abuse?

You’ve made it through the worst of times, and you’re finally on the path towards recovery. But how do you deal with the aftermath of abuse? It’s a journey that can lead to anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. The good news is there are steps you can take to ensure your safety in every aspect of your life.

Acknowledge Your Trauma

The first step is admitting to yourself that what happened was real and not okay. You don’t have to minimize or justify your abuser’s actions; they caused harm on many levels. Recognizing this takes courage and strength.

Learn About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

One way in which abuse impacts mental health is PTSD- a type of anxiety disorder brought about by experiencing traumatic events. Knowing symptoms will help identify whether therapy may be necessary.

Symptoms:

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Avoidance Behaviors

Knowing the triggers helps identifying when feelings arise as well as responding appropriately based on situational involvement.

Deal With Emotional Triggers

Comprehending trigger indicators enables one respond appropriately according to where distress arises from.
Maintaining supportive friendships could encourage coping mechanisms development during emotionally turbulent times.

Build Up A Support System

Abuse leads us into believing whatever we’re sold since what seems innate might differ.
Building an affirming social circle might require some discomfort at least initially since people who previously harmed us could qualify.
A kind reminder would be Never keep toxic friends for nostalgic reasons.

In developing new/ healthy relationships:

• Look toward community: Join teams with common interests such as running/hiking team .

• Attend support groups like AA if qualifying

• Find new hobbies

Talk To Someone Safe And Confidential

Surviving domestic violence often involves feeling shame wondering why we “allowed” someone hurtful exist so long In our lives especially assuming fault.

However , The abuse was not your fault- holding these thoughts will negatively impact mental schemas.

Different Platforms:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE

  • Talkspace.com

  • Betterhelp.com

Home Safety

“Home is where the heart is,” A phrase that usually inspires feelings of security and hope should hold true.

• Change locks/ add extra locks

• Switch to P.O Box or entirely new address only if situation requires.

• Purchase a Safe with a combination lock for important documents such as social security cards, passport birth certificates.

Work And Public Places

We are socially conditioned to believe our work environments and public spaces offer safe havens unless proven otherwise. However, it’s crucial to remain aware that abusers can locate victims even in unexpected places. Thus, one should learn precautions against potential threat.

Work Environments:

  • Keep personal information strictly private.

  • Familiarize yourself with workplace harassment policies

  • Notify HR management/ Employment Relations Officer when necessary..

Public Spaces
Keeping watch from environmental stimulus such as sounds could alert individuals beforehand

Fostering healthy relationships between safety precautions included::

· Let friends/family know the area you’re visiting.

· Always carry pepper sprays, whistles etc., have emergency contacts on speed dial

Put Together an Emergency “Go” Bag

The reality after domestic violence dictates unpredictability of events . Whenever possible , ensure having prepared bags consisting basic items like personal documentation incase evacuation maybe required during unplanned hideout/
Safety Items Might Include :

-Passport copies

-Social Security Card copies
  • Cash & ATM Cards

  • Portable phone charger

Remain thoughtful changes societal norms used by intrarogant perpetrators manipulating abused partner’s inability n ability unable plan rapid escape times.

After enduring trauma and navigating through dangerous situations a peaceful existence becomes most deserved.

By taking these simple precautions, you’ll be able to feel safer in your everyday life. Remember that recovery is a journey – take it one step at a time.
Always know what’s best for oneself and distance oneself from threatening situations- realize loved ones will not always understand abuser’s mental or physical control over victims, maintaining vocal personal standpoints concerning safety matters.

YOU MATTER!

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