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.
but about damage.
I concur with your mirror
strategy, to which I'd add,
whether you smile or in
addition to the smile, tell
the person looking back
at you, "I love you."
Sending hugs
and best thoughts
for your well-being
and future happiness.
As far as it goes, the board is for venting. We've pretty much heard it all. The strength is that we're all here for each other.