Physical & Emotional Abuse Support Group
Abuse is a general term for the treatment of someone that causes some kind of harm (to the abused person, to the abusers themselves, or to someone else) that is unlawful or wrongful. No one deserves abuse, period. Abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual.
I have been considering joining a survivor's of domestic violence support group. In my research, I have heard the good and the bad about them. Nonetheless, I am willing to try to see if it is a good fit for me.
To the women here whom participated in these groups, how was it for you?
Thanks for sharing.
To the women here whom participated in these groups, how was it for you?
Thanks for sharing.
My experience was that it was tremendously validating. I felt like I wasn't alone, and saw how similar abusive people are in their manipulations and control tactics. It was education and informative in addition to being emotionally validating. I looked forward to that group each week. The only reason I am not attending now is I have been focusing on being there for my kids, and that group meets in the evening and runs into their bedtime.
I highly suggest you try it!
and I've also facilitated support
groups for ten years.
On a personal note, the
one in which I participtated
was invaluable to my
recovery.
On a professional note,
of the several hundred
people who've come
through the groups I
facilitated, most told
me they found the
experience to be
what they were
looking for and
hoping to find.
My ex physically abused the children but never hit me (although he abused me in other ways.)
So our social worker referred me to a DV support group, but when I went, I couldn't relate very well since I had not been physically harmed. Some of the other members questioned why I was there.
I tried attending a divorce support group, but when I said there had been abuse of the children people were outraged, and I got the "Why didn't you leave him earlier? How could you let that happen?" response.
In the end, I found a wonderful therapist, and connected with an old friend who had been through a similar situation. That worked for me.
I DO think that support groups can be invaluable. Definitely try it. Abuse can make you feel so crazy, and you tend to question yourself. Being around other people who get it and can remind you what is real is huge.
Good luck!