{"id":6818,"date":"2024-03-04T12:03:10","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T20:03:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themendproject.com\/?page_id=6818"},"modified":"2026-01-12T14:01:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T22:01:32","slug":"how-to-help-someone-being-abused","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Help Someone Who Is Being Abused"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 style=\"text-align: left; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">How to Help Someone&nbsp;<\/strong><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><\/strong><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Who Is Being Abused<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"hidden-form-abuse\" data-id=\"9796\" width=\"449\" data-init-width=\"416\" height=\"523\" data-init-height=\"484\" title=\"hidden-form-abuse\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp\" data-width=\"449\" data-height=\"523\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 416 \/ 484; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" ml-d=\"-5.156000000000006\" mt-d=\"0\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">It can be hard to know how to help someone who is being abused.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">It can be equally as hard to identify that the root of the problems in a challenging relationship are because one partner is engaging in <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">hidden forms of emotional abuse.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Many who experience <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">covert emotional abuse<\/strong> don\u2019t realize the toxicity they\u2019re immersed in and often struggle to find words to describe their situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Often, they don\u2019t identify their situation as abusive or their partner as an abuser. The word abuse is the furthest thing from their mind.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">They know something isn\u2019t right, but they can\u2019t put their finger on it and they don\u2019t yet have the proper language to describe it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">And maybe that confuses you, the one who wants to help, even more. You may struggle to <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">identify the signs of abuse <\/strong>easily. And their confusion can add to your own.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Regardless of how difficult it can be, it is likely you are in a position to be a safe, compassionate responder. By navigating these resources, you will be <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">empowered with the knowledge and tools<\/strong> to help you walk confidently alongside someone who is being or has been harmed by abuse.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">You can become a <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">light of hope for these victims<\/strong>. And because of you, victims can <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">find clarity and healing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">We thank you for being here.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"hidden-form-abuse\" data-id=\"9796\" width=\"410\" data-init-width=\"416\" height=\"477\" data-init-height=\"484\" title=\"hidden-form-abuse\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp\" data-width=\"410\" data-height=\"477\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 416 \/ 484; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" ml-d=\"-3.0311999999999983\" mt-d=\"0\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">It can be hard to know how to help someone who is being abused.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">It can be equally as hard to identify that the root of the problems in a challenging relationship are because one partner is engaging in <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">hidden forms of emotional abuse.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Many who experience <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">covert emotional abuse<\/strong> don\u2019t realize the toxicity they\u2019re immersed in and often struggle to find words to describe their situation. Often, they don\u2019t identify their situation as abusive or their partner as an abuser. The word abuse is the furthest thing from their mind.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">They know something isn\u2019t right, but they can\u2019t put their finger on it and they don\u2019t yet have the proper language to describe it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">And maybe that confuses you, the one who wants to help, even more. You may struggle to <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">identify the signs of abuse <\/strong>easily. And their confusion can add to your own.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Regardless of how difficult it can be, it is likely you are in a position to be a safe, compassionate responder. By navigating these resources, you will be <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">empowered with the knowledge and tools<\/strong> to help you walk confidently alongside someone who is being or has been harmed by abuse.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">You can become a <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">light of hope for these victims<\/strong>. And because of you, victims can <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">find clarity and healing.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">We thank you for being here.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">CONTENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-one\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Struggles of Abuse Victims\" data-id=\"9797\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Struggles of Abuse Victims\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Struggles-of-Abuse-Victims.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" data-link-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a data-tcb_hover_state_parent=\"\" href=\"#part-one\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">PART 1<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-one\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The Struggles of Abuse Victims<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-two\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mindset of Abusers\" data-id=\"9800\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Mindset of Abusers\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Mindset-of-Abusers.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" data-link-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-two\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 2<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-two\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Understanding the Mindset of Abusers<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-three\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"themend-Maze of Confusion\" data-id=\"9798\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"themend-Maze of Confusion\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/themend-Maze-of-Confusion.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" data-link-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a data-tcb_hover_state_parent=\"\" href=\"#part-three\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 3<\/strong><\/a><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-three\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The Maze of Confusion (A Helpful Guide for Victims and Responders)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-four\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Supportive Responder\" data-id=\"9801\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Supportive Responder\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Supportive-Responder.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" data-link-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-four\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 4<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-four\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The Importance of Being a Supportive Responder<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-five\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Emotionally Abused\" data-id=\"9799\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Emotionally Abused\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Emotionally-Abused.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" data-link-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-five\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 5<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-five\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Key Steps to Helping Someone Who Is Being Emotionally Abused<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-six\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Physically Abused\" data-id=\"9802\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Physically Abused\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Physically-Abused.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" data-link-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-six\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 6<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-six\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">How to Help Someone Who Is Being Physically Abused<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">CONTENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#part-one\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Struggles of Abuse Victims\" data-id=\"9797\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Struggles of Abuse Victims\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Struggles-of-Abuse-Victims.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-one\" jump-animation=\"smooth\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\" data-tcb_hover_state_parent=\"\">PART 1<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-one\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The Struggles of Abuse Victims<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#part-two\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mindset of Abusers\" data-id=\"9800\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Mindset of Abusers\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Mindset-of-Abusers.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a data-tcb_hover_state_parent=\"\" href=\"#part-two\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 2<\/strong><\/a><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-two\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Understanding the Mindset of Abusers<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#part-three\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"themend-Maze of Confusion\" data-id=\"9798\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"themend-Maze of Confusion\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/themend-Maze-of-Confusion.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-three\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\" data-tcb_hover_state_parent=\"\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 3<\/strong><\/a><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-three\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The Maze of Confusion(A Helpful Guide for Victims and Responders)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#part-four\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Supportive Responder\" data-id=\"9801\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Supportive Responder\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Supportive-Responder.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a data-tcb_hover_state_parent=\"\" href=\"#part-four\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 4<\/strong><\/a><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-four\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The Importance of Being a Supportive Responder<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#part-five\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Emotionally Abused\" data-id=\"9799\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Emotionally Abused\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Emotionally-Abused.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a data-tcb_hover_state_parent=\"\" href=\"#part-five\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 5<\/strong><\/a><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-five\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Key Steps to Helping Someone Who Is Being Emotionally Abused<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#part-six\" rel=\"\" style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Physically Abused\" data-id=\"9802\" width=\"100\" data-init-width=\"540\" height=\"100\" data-init-height=\"540\" title=\"Physically Abused\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Physically-Abused.png.webp\" data-width=\"100\" data-height=\"100\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 540 \/ 540; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a data-tcb_hover_state_parent=\"\" href=\"#part-six\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">PART 6<\/strong><\/a><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><a href=\"#part-six\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">How to Help Someone Who Is Being Physically Abused<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Part One: Understanding the Struggles of Abuse Victims<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">As a responder, it\u2019s imperative to understand what goes on in the <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">mind of an abuse victim<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">What are some of the cognitive and emotional challenges they face?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Why might they struggle to come forward?&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">What are some helpful responses?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Understanding the answers to these questions <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">helps you support a victim<\/strong> of abuse with empathy and compassion.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Let\u2019s look at four typical struggles victims face, and the responses or methods of support that could be most helpful.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center; color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Four Hurdles Victims Face \u2013 And How to Respond<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Cognitive and Emotional Distress<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Overwhelmed by ongoing stress and confusion, many victims grapple with exhaustion, anxiety, and PTSD. They may even struggle to find accurate words to describe what is happening to them. All this compounds into a state of debilitating emotional distress.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cognitive-and-Emotional-Distress\" data-id=\"9806\" width=\"550\" data-init-width=\"379\" height=\"424\" data-init-height=\"413\" title=\"Cognitive-and-Emotional-Distress\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cognitive-and-Emotional-Distress.jpg.webp\" data-width=\"550\" data-height=\"424\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 379 \/ 413; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Response<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Be aware that the person you want to help is likely in a state of heightened stress.<\/strong> However, they may not be able to articulate why. They may also be in a state of denial. So, you can help them by pointing them to resources that provide clarity and proper terminology to label their experiences and diminish their anxiety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Recognizing that there are defined terms to describe the harmful behaviors of their abusers helps them see the abuse more clearly and know what they are experiencing is real. This provides the clarity they need to better understand what they are feeling, both emotionally and physically.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Response<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Be aware that the person you want to help is likely in a state of heightened stress.<\/strong> However, they may not be able to articulate why. They may also be in a state of denial. So, you can help them by pointing them to resources that provide clarity and proper terminology to label their experiences and diminish their anxiety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Cognitive-and-Emotional-Distress\" data-id=\"9806\" width=\"0\" data-init-width=\"379\" height=\"0\" data-init-height=\"413\" title=\"Cognitive-and-Emotional-Distress\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Cognitive-and-Emotional-Distress.jpg.webp\" data-width=\"0\" data-height=\"0\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 379 \/ 413; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" ml-t=\"-28.452999999999975\" mt-t=\"0\" center-h-t=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Recognizing that there are defined terms to describe the harmful behaviors of their abusers helps them see the abuse more clearly and know what they are experiencing is real. This provides the clarity they need to better understand what they are feeling, both emotionally and physically.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Response<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Be aware that the person you want to help is likely in a state of heightened stress.<\/strong> However, they may not be able to articulate why. They may also be in a state of denial. So, you can help them by pointing them to resources that provide clarity and proper terminology to label their experiences and diminish their anxiety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Recognizing that there are defined terms to describe the harmful behaviors of their abusers helps them see the abuse more clearly and know what they are experiencing is real. This provides the clarity they need to better understand what they are feeling, both emotionally and physically.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">To learn more, click the button below for free downloadable resources such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Terms for Defining Covert Abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When You Ask for Help and No one Believes You<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Guidance for Your Internal \u201cShould I Stay or Should I Go\u201d Debate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Determining Whether or Not Couples Therapy is Making it Worse<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Anticipatory Fear<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">People who have been harmed by abuse often fear they will face blame and rejection when they share their story. They instinctively know this will be even more traumatizing for them. This is why many victims of abuse struggle to come forward and share what they are experiencing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Response<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Seek to show them that they are safe with you. <\/strong>When a victim of abuse confides in you, listen with empathy and provide reassurance, without offering advice or ultimatums.<strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Keep in mind that victims will often only share the tip of the iceberg in order to test whether your response will be safe or not.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">The Need for Acceptance<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Victims and survivors need to be <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">believed<\/strong> y <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">validated<\/strong>. This means they need someone to recognize they are in a difficult position, they don\u2019t know what to do, and they need someone to hear them and support them in the midst of it.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Response<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Affirm your support.<\/strong> When a victim shares their experience with you, verbal and nonverbal responses can offer much-needed validation, compassion, and support. &nbsp;A simple nod while listening or a gesture of understanding can provide reassurance.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Words like \u201cI\u2019m here for you,\u201d \u201cI believe you,\u201d You do not deserve to be treated in these ways. Nothing you have done warrants maltreatment.\u201d Even simple gestures like maintaining eye contact in an empathetic way can make a world of difference.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">To learn more about <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">validation<\/strong> y <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">responding<\/strong>, click <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/what-to-say-to-victims-of-abuse\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">aqu\u00ed<\/a> y <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/signs-of-an-abusive-relationship\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">aqu\u00ed<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Maintain connection<\/strong> after they disclose abuse to prevent them from feeling abandoned and further isolated. Your <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">unwavering support<\/strong> can be their anchor. If, for some reason, you cannot maintain connection, it\u2019s imperative that you help the victim find someone safe who can.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Response<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Affirm your support.<\/strong> When a victim shares their experience with you, verbal and nonverbal responses can offer much-needed validation, compassion, and support. &nbsp;A simple nod while listening or a gesture of understanding can provide reassurance.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Words like \u201cI\u2019m here for you,\u201d \u201cI believe you,\u201d You do not deserve to be treated in these ways. Nothing you have done warrants maltreatment.\u201d Even simple gestures like maintaining eye contact in an empathetic way can make a world of difference.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">To learn more about <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">validation<\/strong> y <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">responding<\/strong>, click <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/the-power-of-validation-responding-to-victims-of-abuse\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">aqu\u00ed<\/a> y <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/friends_loving_them_after_the_abuse\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">aqu\u00ed<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Maintain connection<\/strong> after they disclose abuse to prevent them from feeling abandoned and further isolated. Your <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">unwavering support<\/strong> can be their anchor. If, for some reason, you cannot maintain connection, it\u2019s imperative that you help the victim find someone safe who can.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Need for Connection\/Community<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Victims of abuse often feel <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">alone<\/strong> y <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">isolated<\/strong>, whether it is self-imposed isolation or enforced isolation. Their immense confusion and fear of expressing their trauma further alienate them.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Yet, we know that victims cannot heal in isolation. <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Nurturing connections <\/strong>y <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">community<\/strong> are a beacon of hope on their path.<\/p>\n<p style=\"color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Response<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Take time to consider the challenges victims of abuse face. <\/strong>This allows us to walk alongside them with compassion and empathy and provide the support they need and deserve.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><em>*To better understand how to properly respond to victims and survivors of abuse, please see <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Part Five: Key Steps to Helping Someone Who Is Being Emotionally Abused<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Part Two: Understanding the Mindset of an Abuser<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Recognizing that there are defined terms to describe the harmful behaviors of their abusers helps them see the abuse more clearly and know what they are experiencing is real. This provides the clarity they need to better understand what they are feeling, both emotionally and physically.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mindset-of-an-Abuser\" data-id=\"9807\" width=\"550\" data-init-width=\"408\" height=\"424\" data-init-height=\"557\" title=\"Mindset-of-an-Abuser\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Mindset-of-an-Abuser.jpg.webp\" data-width=\"550\" data-height=\"424\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 408 \/ 557; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" ml-t=\"0\" mt-t=\"-9.23399999999998\" center-h-t=\"false\" center-v-t=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">The better you understand both the victims\u2019 and the abusers\u2019 mindset, the <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">more clarity<\/strong> you will have and the <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">more equipped you will be to respond in helpful and supportive ways<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">A key factor with abusers operate out of a completely different worldview than the victim. Said another way, the victim and the abuser are living in two separate realities and each is unaware of the other person\u2019s mindset.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Before the victim gains full clarity, the victim may be in denial, not recognizing that their partner\u2019s behavior is abusive. The victim is also the empathic one who tends to overfunction and accepts responsibility for the lion\u2019s share of the responsibility in their interpersonal relationship. The victim seeks a healthy emotional connection with an emotionally unavailable partner. On the other hand, faulty thinking drives the abuser\u2019s attitudes, and the abuser\u2019s deeply entrenched beliefs interfere with their ability to self-reflect or value their partner\u2019s perspective. They are more likely to seek power and control and are uncomfortable with their emotions or partners.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">The better you understand both the victims\u2019 and the abusers\u2019 mindset, the <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">more clarity<\/strong> you will have and the <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">more equipped you will be to respond in helpful and supportive ways<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">A key factor with abusers operate out of a completely different worldview than the victim. Said another way, the victim and the abuser are living in two separate realities and each is unaware of the other person\u2019s mindset. Before the victim gains full clarity, the victim may be in denial, not recognizing that their partner\u2019s behavior is abusive. The victim is also the empathic one who tends to overfunction and accepts responsibility for the lion\u2019s share of the responsibility in their interpersonal relationship. The victim seeks a healthy emotional connection with an emotionally unavailable partner. On the other hand, faulty thinking drives the abuser\u2019s attitudes, and the abuser\u2019s deeply entrenched beliefs interfere with their ability to self-reflect or value their partner\u2019s perspective. They are more likely to seek power and control and are uncomfortable with their emotions or partners.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">The MEND Project describes the underlying attitudes held by the abuser as the <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Five Pillars of Abuse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">What are the Five Pillars of Abuse?<\/strong> Here is a quick overview:<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center; color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; --tcb-applied-color: rgb(156, 124, 53) !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The Five Pillars of Abuse<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Recognizing these pillars is pivotal in supporting and coming alongside victims.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When victims understand that they are in a relationship where both parties are living in separate realities, it can help them come to terms with the severity of their relationship problems.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">A Faulty Belief System<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Abusers have long-standing, moralistic judgments that are based on limited knowledge, a family system, or social bias that result in the oppression of others. They may or may not express these beliefs verbally, but these factors drive how they think relationships should function with a bias in their favor.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Image Management<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">To protect their image, abusers hide their toxic behaviors behind a positive public persona, creating a misleading narrative. They do this to uphold social status and norms at the expense of the victim or others.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Those who cause harm will often employ a variety of methods in order to create a cloud of confusion meant to influence outsiders or even children and extended family members.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Entitlement<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Entitlement is another pillar of abuse. Abusers believe they are deserving of special treatment or rewards, regardless of merit or the needs and well-being of others. They have no qualms with double standards.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Again, they may or may not verbalize these beliefs. However, they are deeply entrenched in their thinking patterns.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Low Emotional Intelligence<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Abusers can be highly intelligent, accomplished, and charismatic while having an underdeveloped emotional IQ. They are likely to have limited awareness of their own emotions and almost complete disinterest in the emotions or experiences of their partner or others.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Some markers of lower emotional IQ are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">staunch defensiveness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">passive-aggressive or aggressive behaviors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">an array of covert behaviors meant to downgrade the victim\u2019s position or to keep them off balance and confused<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Preferential Treatment<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Finally, the abuser expects \u2013 and others may provide \u2013 preferential treatment to the abuser because of shared social viewpoints, status, proximity to one\u2019s social circle, and\/or leadership or power within a group or institutional setting.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Preferential treatment often denies the victim\u2019s plight or ignores best practices for a proper response in favor of protecting the one actually causing harm.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">To summarize, the Five Pillars of Abuse are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">A Faulty Belief System<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Image Management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Entitlement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Low Emotional Intelligence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Preferential Treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Now that we have a framework for understanding the thought processes that drive abusive behaviors, let\u2019s look at a simple guide for helping victims dispel the confusion these abusive behaviors have created in them.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Part Three: The Maze of Confusion <\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important;\"><em><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">A Helpful Guide for Supporters and Victims<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The Maze of Confusion<\/strong> is an image we use as a metaphor to describe what it\u2019s like to be in a conversation with someone employing the tactics of <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">hidden emotional abuse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When a victim attempts to raise a reasonable complaint or concern, or express a hurt, the abuser will take them through The Maze \u2013 a dominating, dead-end form of communication that causes stress, confusion, and bewilderment in the victim\u2019s mind. The Maze demonstrates how the victim\u2019s attempts to have an authentic and meaningful conversation are blocked by abusive behaviors meant to power over the victim and divert the topic, so the abuser can avoid responsibility for any harm done while simultaneously blaming the victim. In essence, The Maze demonstrates how abusers are not interested in authentic conversations but instead focus on winning every argument.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">For example, when a destructive behavior such as blame-shifting is repeated, or when multiple harmful behaviors are employed, the victim begins to feel lost or trapped inside a maze of confusion, with no way out or through to a resolution.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">As you become familiar with the abusive Maze of Confusion metaphor, it is useful to know what strategies and responses are most helpful to victims. This brief guide can help make sense of the confusion and give you powerful insight as a responder:<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">A Breakdown of The Maze (What You Need to Know)<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Abuse victims can <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">escape the Maze of Confusion<\/strong> by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Gaining clarity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Identifying and labeling covert behaviors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Visualizing the challenge<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Understanding differing realities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Detecting covert strategies<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">(Read more about the <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Maze of Confusion<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/when-abuse-creates-a-maze-of-confusion\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">aqu\u00ed<\/a>.)<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Fostering Empathy<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">The most meaningful way you can help a victim is by <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">being a safe space for them<\/strong> a <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">share their feelings<\/strong><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"> and experiences<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Validating that their feelings are justified and reasonable can help them feel understood and strengthen their self-identity and resolve. Phrases like &#8220;I hear you&#8221; or &#8220;That must have been tough for you&#8221; can be powerful. Encourage them to seek out relationships and environments where they consistently hear such affirmations.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">To summarize:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">As you walk alongside those affected by abuse, visual tools like <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">&#8216;The Maze&#8217; <\/strong>can be invaluable. It&#8217;s a tangible representation of the emotional hurdles victims face.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">By understanding this maze, you are<strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"> better equipped to shine a light<\/strong> on their situation and on their path toward healing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">And sharing this resource with victims and survivors of abuse can <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">bring greater clarity<\/strong>, which is a critical step for victims in their journey toward <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">healing<\/strong> y <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">freedom<\/strong>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Now, let\u2019s talk about the importance of the first responder\u2019s role.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Part Four: The Importance of Being a Supportive Responder<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">If someone you know confides in you about their experiences with abuse, your response can set them on a course to heal, or it can cause them further trauma and harm.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">This is why it\u2019s essential to recognize the profound impact your response can have and to understand the concept of <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Double Abuse\u00ae<\/strong> to best support them.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The Impact of Double Abuse\u00ae<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When someone courageously shares their story of abuse and they aren\u2019t believed or they are blamed, judged, or given unwanted instructions, The MEND Project identifies this added trauma as <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/double-abuse\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">&#8220;Double Abuse\u00ae.&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-size: 23px !important; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Recognizing Double Abuse<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Here are eight examples of responses categorized as Double Abuse:<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Apathy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">A disinterested response sends the message that one does not care about the victim\u2019s plight. Apathy is a form of abandonment that victims fear.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Ultimatums<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Asking intrusive questions or making statements like, \u201cWe demand that you enter couple\u2019s therapy within 30 days or you will have to leave our group.\u201d Placing ultimatums asserts that you know what\u2019s best for the victim. It speaks down to them and overpowers them, just as their abuser has been doing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Placing Conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">This can look like, \u201cIf you don\u2019t leave your partner, I cannot talk to you any longer or help you.\u201d Or: \u201cIf you separate from your husband, you can no longer come to our couples group.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When responders place conditions on the victim, it is another form of powering over them, which is what their abuser has been doing. Powering over victims is highly retraumatizing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Placing Conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">This can look like, \u201cIf you don\u2019t leave your partner, I cannot talk to you any longer or help you.\u201d Or: \u201cIf you separate from your husband, you can no longer come to our couples group.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When responders place conditions on the victim, it is another form of powering over them, which is what their abuser has been doing. Powering over victims is highly retraumatizing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Shunning or ostracizing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When the victim is wrongly judged and subsequently abandoned by others and excluded from a group, whether it is within a family, social circle, or faith-based environment, it is a form of forced isolation and is very traumatizing. Making the decision to shun a victim asserts that they no longer deserve to be included. This form of mischaracterization redefines the victim\u2019s identity and sense of belonging. A loss of one\u2019s identity and connection is directly tied to exacerbating PTSD into Complex PTSD.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Blaming, Judging, and Criticizing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Victims need compassion. Blaming, judging, and criticizing are forms of condemnation and Double Abuse. Each of these behaviors stops the process of helping victims and instead significantly traumatizes them, leading them to a place of hopelessness and despair.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Giving Unrequested Advice<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">So often responders think they have to fix the victim\u2019s problems when what is really needed is for them to be given the space and time to process their experiences with someone safe and caring.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When responders interrupt victims or redirect the conversation with pointed and leading questions or unrequested advice, the victim\u2019s anxiety increases substantially. Spiking anxiety in someone who is or has experienced trauma surrounding the issue also increases trauma symptoms.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When a conversation is controlled or limited, it can quickly silence and shut down the one who needs a safe place to open up. When a responder limits the scope of the conversation, they power over the victim and communicate that the victim\u2019s perspective does not matter.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Limiting the Scope of the Conversation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When a conversation is controlled or limited, it can quickly silence and shut down the one who needs a safe place to open up. When a responder limits the scope of the conversation, they power over the victim and communicate that the victim\u2019s perspective does not matter.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Recognizing-Double-Abuse\" data-id=\"9805\" width=\"550\" data-init-width=\"409\" height=\"615\" data-init-height=\"385\" title=\"Recognizing-Double-Abuse\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Recognizing-Double-Abuse.jpg.webp\" data-width=\"550\" data-height=\"615\" style=\"aspect-ratio: auto 409 \/ 385; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important;\" ml-t=\"0\" mt-t=\"0\" center-h-t=\"false\" center-v-t=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Setting Boundaries for Personal Comfort<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">This can look like not allowing the victim to grieve or to feel down. The false belief is that by silencing the victim or refusing to engage with them, the victim will \u201cget over it\u201d faster. This is actually toxic positivity and is damaging.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Limiting the Scope of the Conversation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When a conversation is controlled or limited, it can quickly silence and shut down the one who needs a safe place to open up. When a responder limits the scope of the conversation, they power over the victim and communicate that the victim\u2019s perspective does not matter.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Setting Boundaries for Personal Comfort<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">This can look like not allowing the victim to grieve or to feel down. The false belief is that by silencing the victim or refusing to engage with them, the victim will \u201cget over it\u201d faster. This is actually toxic positivity and is damaging.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Be the Support When Traditional Support Systems Fail<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Institutions, such as educational, corporate, or faith-based institutions, are perceived as places of safety and higher knowledge in our society. However, abuse victims sometimes find that the very places designed to protect and nurture them can inadvertently or intentionally harm them and compound their trauma. The disparity between a victim\u2019s reasonable expectation of safety versus what actually occurs during the harmful encounter is directly tied to the amount of trauma they will experience.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">What to know so you can use your influence in institutional settings.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Academic Institutions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Victims might face disbelief from peers or even educators, especially if the perpetrator is a popular figure or an authority within the institution. The pressure to maintain an institution\u2019s reputation or to limit liability can overshadow the victims\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Liability is increased when an institution fails to support victims within the organization. Also, it is a reasonable expectation that victims perceive these institutional settings to be properly informed and adopt best practices When the opposite occurs the victim is significantly harmed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Friends and Family<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Biases, misconceptions about abuse, or personal relationships with the abuser can lead people to minimize or dismiss the victim\u2019s claims. Minimization and dismissal is a form of Double Abuse.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Therapists<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Mental health professionals hold their own biases and preconceptions, and most do not receive extensive training around abuse, emotional or physical. These can all lead a therapist to inadvertently minimize the victim&#8217;s experiences or misidentifying relational abuse altogether. Experts agree that couple therapy is strongly discouraged when any form of abuse is present, as it likely will transition into a highly traumatizing experience for the victim. There are many reasons why. One example is that couple therapy treats abuse as though it is a mutual problem when in reality, no other problems can be properly addressed or resolved until abuse is named and stopped with longstanding evidence of change.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Faith-based Communities<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">The majority of faith leaders and congregants have good hearts with a desire to help others. However, lack of training and education in abuse combined with deeply rooted beliefs (such as patriarchal beliefs that subjugate women or attitudes that value the institution of marriage more than the well-being of the victim and children inside the marriage) can misinform how they respond to a victim of abuse. They may place victims under pressure to forgive without seeking justice, to submit, or simply pray for their partner. These responses downplay the victim\u2019s experiences and wrongly place the responsibility on the one being harmed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Legal System<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Justice systems are built to protect rights, but a lack of legal remedy regarding emotional or covert abuse, in addition to biases or gaps in trauma-informed training, often cause victims to be revictimized within legal processes. For example, victims who have developed PTSD may appear to the Court as emotionally unstable, resulting in the victim being viewed as less capable of caring for the children.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Recognizing the potential for Double Abuse\u00ae within these institutions informs responders to use their influence and advocacy to help victims receive the support and validation they truly need.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Part Five: Key Steps to Helping Someone Who Is Being Emotionally Abused<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Now that you understand:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">some of the struggles victims face<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">the mindset of abusers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">and the importance of being a supportive responder<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Understanding the answers to these questions helps you <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">support a victim of abuse<\/strong> with empathy and compassion.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Supporting someone going through an abusive relationship requires <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">compassion<\/strong>, <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">understanding<\/strong>, and <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">patience<\/strong>. Recognizing the complexity and the gravity of their experience is vital. When a victim confides in you, they are seeking compassion, a safe connection, and validation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Keep this in mind as we cover these <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">key steps to helping an abuse victim<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Supporting someone going through an abusive relationship requires compassion, understanding, and patience. Recognizing the complexity and the gravity of their experience is vital. When a victim confides in you, they are seeking compassion, a safe connection, and validation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Keep this in mind as we cover these key steps to helping an abuse victim.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">STEP ONE:<\/span><\/strong><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">&nbsp;Identify the Types of Abuse That Are Present<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Underneath every abusive relationship are long-standing <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/covert-emotional-abuse-the-unseen-killer-of-healthy-relationships\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">covert abuse tactics<\/a>. And when these are not clearly identified, victims remain in prolonged states of stress and confusion where they can stay stuck ruminating over every harmful conversation wondering if they are the \u2018crazy\u2019 ones, or even doubting their memory and value. This is why it is crucial to recognize and name the signs of abuse.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">These <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">covert abuse tactics <\/strong>might include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Gaslighting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Blame-shifting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Weaponized Joking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Lying<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Dismissing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Minimizing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Becoming attuned to these signs is the first step in offering compassion and support. To learn about the signs to identify, click the button below.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">STEP TWO:<\/span><\/strong><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">&nbsp;Use the Healing Model of Compassion<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When engaging with a victim, every word and every gesture matters.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Here at MEND, we have a saying to not over-confront victims and, at the same time, to not under-inform them. To accomplish this goal, we use what we call the Healing Model of Compassion. This <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/how-to-help-abuse-victims\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">guide offers practical ways<\/a> to show compassionate care to victims:<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Listen<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Allow victims to process their experiences over time without interruption or interrogation. A good listener will allow the speaker to go at their own pace. When a victim first begins to speak up or ask for help, it\u2019s usually just the tip of the iceberg. Initially, they will want to test the waters to determine whether you are safe.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Accept<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Believe the experience to be true without asking doubting questions. Statistics show that only three percent of victims of sexual assault are lying. There is little to gain for victims speaking out about abuse. Understand that they are entrusting you with their most vulnerable moments. To not believe them is a highly traumatic experience for victims<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Empathize<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Display warm gestures of understanding while refraining from critiquing their personal choices. Be patient, soft, and kind. Avoid expressing too much emotion, such as disdain towards their abuser. Doing so may shut the victim down or cause them to defend their abuser and push you away. This is because they may not be ready to identify as a victim, blame their abuser, or be capable of tolerating the negative emotions of others in their traumatized and vulnerable state.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Validate<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Clearly convey that abuse is not their fault and that nothing they did deserves maltreatment. Abuse is a choice the abuser alone makes. It\u2019s not an accident or a mistake.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Identify<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Take ten or twenty seconds (no more) to briefly share a similar experience you had personally or know about with another person in your past. This helps to show you are listening well. Avoid hijacking the conversation or changing the focus onto your story for more than twenty seconds. Identifying is a conscious step to prove you are listening well.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Encourage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Provide them hope that they can gain clarity and heal with education and support. You can say: \u201cI believe in you. You are in a tough season, but you will get through this, and I will be here standing by your side.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Ask<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">\u201cHow can I help?\u201d This ONE question demonstrates to the victim that you are willing to support them on their journey. Most victims will ask for something simple, such as help finding resources or for someone they can talk to once or twice per week. Or maybe they would like for you to join them at a meeting with their attorney because their thinking is fragmented from ongoing stress and trauma. Be willing to advocate for them when needed.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Grieve<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Maintain a meaningful connection by sharing in the healing power of mourning. Avoid insinuating that they need to stop crying. Sharing in the grieving process is an opportunity for those who want to help to demonstrate to the victim they really care and are a safe connection for them<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">STEP THREE:<\/span><\/strong><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">&nbsp;Maintain Support<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Maintain Confidentiality<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">It&#8217;s essential to respect the privacy of victims. Sharing their story without their consent can put them at further risk and betray their trust. Don\u2019t do anything without the victim\u2019s explicit permission\u2014especially confronting their abuser.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">For a more in-depth resource, check out this article about confronting those who cause harm <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/how-to-confront-an-abuser\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">guide here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The importance of confidentiality cannot be overstated.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Support Long-Term Healing<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Healing from psychological and\/or physical abuse can be a long process. Continue to check in on victims, offer support, and respect their decisions\u2014even if you don&#8217;t agree.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">If the victim has been diagnosed with PTSD or if you notice the signs of PTSD, it is essential that the victim engages with multiple modalities to promote healing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">For example:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Exercise or outdoor activities such as hiking, walking or a sport of some kind<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Art or creative projects<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Listening to uplifting music<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Enrolling in an online or in-person support group<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Individualized therapy with a trauma-informed professional<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">All of these will <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">help the victim step out from self-isolation<\/strong> and towards a path of community, connection, and healing. Just remember it might take time for them to feel ready to engage in activities with other people.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Again, victims cannot heal in isolation. For many victims, engaging in new activities can be hard for them. You can provide information that will help to <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">encourage them to participate<\/strong> in order to jump-start their healing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">For example, activity can help cure depression, and creative outlets produce endorphins, which help to counter stress hormones surging in their bodies.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">With the victim\u2019s permission, you might consider being a loving <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">accountability partner<\/strong> who checks in on them weekly to ask what new activities they have undertaken. Or, you may offer to go for a long walk with them to get them outside and to help them start the process.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Self-Care for Supporters<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Witnessing the aftermath of abuse can be emotionally stressful and taxing. Vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue are terms used to describe the trauma people helpers sometimes experience. Ensure you are also seeking support if needed and practice self-care techniques similar to the activities mentioned above.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">A Note on Shared Grief<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">When supporting abuse victims, recognizing their grief has a meaningful impact.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Mourning with them for all they have lost or will lose (the emotional toll, the shattered trust, and the severed connections) validates their pain, lightens their burden, and reinforces their worth. Grief shared can be a mutual experience of deep connection that can greatly facilitate their healing journey.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Now that you have solid, practical ways to help someone who is being abused, let\u2019s take it a step further. Let\u2019s talk about how to help someone who has been physically abused.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">How to Help Someone Who Has Been Coercively Controlled or Physically Abused<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">While covert emotional abuse is the common thread in all forms of relational abuse, including physical abuse, helping someone who is being or has been, harmed by physical violence brings a unique set of concerns and challenges that need specific attention.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Here is how you can help:<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">1. Prioritize Safety<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Underneath every abusive relationship are long-standing <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/covert-abuse\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">covert abuse tactics<\/a>. And when these are not clearly identified, victims remain in prolonged states of stress and confusion where they can stay stuck ruminating over every harmful conversation wondering if they are the \u2018crazy\u2019 ones, or even doubting their memory and value.. This is why it is crucial to recognize and name the signs of abuse.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Immediate Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">If someone you know expresses fear for their safety or if their abuser\u2019s anger is escalating, if there has been a separation in the last twelve months or one is imminent, or if you believe the victim is naive about their lack of safety, encourage them to contact local law enforcement to report prior or recent physical violence and\/or property damage and threats.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Ensure they have a safe place to stay, even if it is temporary. There are safety assessment tools you can access online. For example, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facs.nsw.gov.au\/download?file=592948\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool<\/a> (DVSAT), provides 25 questions you would not necessarily think to ask that indicate homicide is a serious risk. Asking the victim to take the assessment quiz can help them to realize the risks they are facing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Safety Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">A victim of abuse may need both <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">temporary<\/strong> y<strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"> long-term safety plans<\/strong>. To this end, we recommend connecting the victim with a <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Domestic Violence Agency<\/strong> or a highly-skilled DV advocate, as they will be best informed on how to effectively executive a safety plan.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">A <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">safety plan<\/strong> a <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/help-getting-out-of-abusive-relationships\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">exit an abusive situation<\/a> could include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Identifying safe places to go<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Secretly gathering and keeping essential documents<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Taking photos or videos documenting prior abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Saving money in cash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Acquiring prepaid credit cards and a prepaid burner phone<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">These items should be stored outside the home with someone safe, such as a neighbor, friend or at their place of employment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Preparation may include memorizing important phone numbers and creating encrypted signals or code words to communicate danger to children, trusted friends, or family.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Domesticshelters.org has a comprehensive list of items to consider and\/or gather secretly before actually leaving, whether temporarily or for good.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">It is a dangerous time when victims leave their abusers, and it\u2019s a time when victims may struggle to think straight. It\u2019s imperative that the victim contact a domestic violence advocate, preferably before leaving, who can walk alongside them through the process and who can help them obtain a protective order with the court.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">2. Medical Attention and Reporting<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">If the victim has sustained injuries, even a minor one, encourage them to <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">seek medical attention<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">This not only ensures their well-being but also serves as documented evidence if they decide to pursue legal action, a separation, divorce, a protective order, or child custody matters.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Victims need to understand the importance of reporting and documentation<\/strong>. They often hesitate. If they don\u2019t report and instead react, possibly physically, they need to grasp that there is a strong likelihood their abuser will report the victim as being the abuser. Once the victim is labeled the abuser, which is the abuser\u2019s belief and goal, they will have a mountain to climb with law enforcement and the courts if and when they are faced with child custody issues.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Further, in some states, alimony is waived if the one seeking support is determined to be the abuser.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Many victims will be hesitant to report their partners to law enforcement. However, it is essential that victims <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">report abuse first <\/strong>y <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">create a paper trail to document<\/strong> who the abuser is in the relationship before the actual abuser manipulates law enforcement to the contrary. It\u2019s common for abusers to mischaracterize the victim and manipulate the system. Victims need to know this often-used ploy in advance in order not to be deemed the abuser. Encourage victims to keep text messages and emails in a separate file with protected access for future use in case they are needed.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">3. Offer Emotional Support<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Every victim&#8217;s journey is different. No two situations are exactly alike. Please validate their experiences because victims often know best. Some might be ready to discuss their experience, while others might need time. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Regardless, anyone who has been harmed needs a compassionate responder who refrains from judgment or seeking answers by asking leading and pointed questions<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Emphasize their courage in confiding in you and taking steps to ensure their safety. Affirm their strength and your support.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">4. Recommend Professional Help<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thehotline.org\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a> is a reputable and trusted resource for victims and survivors of abuse nationwide. They have a phone line with trained counselors to speak with and can assist victims with locating resources in their area.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Domestic Violence Agencies<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Advise victims to seek out the help of skilled certified advocates at their local domestic violence agency. These agencies often provide low-cost or no-cost counseling and educational courses for victims of abuse on various topics such as personal empowerment (known as PEP classes). They sometimes offer legal advocacy as well.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Counseling<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Therapists or counselors specializing in abuse and trauma can offer tailored strategies to navigate challenging relational dynamics and offer a variety of coping methods to promote healing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">It is important, however, to <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/therapist-for-relationships\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">shop for the right therapist<\/a> to ensure they are properly trained.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Legal Advice<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">In cases where a restraining or protective order is being considered or charges are being pressed, as well as in divorce and custody cases, encourage the victim to consider legal counsel with an abuse- and trauma-trained legal representative. They can also download <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/resources\/\" style=\"outline: none; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">The MEND Project PDFs<\/a> to help them educate their attorney on matters of psychological abuse.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">5. Legal Responsibility<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">If you are a mandated reporter and children have witnessed domestic violence, you may need to report the incident to Child Protective Services or law enforcement. Victims need to understand that they carry a legal responsibility to keep their children shielded from domestic violence.<\/p>\n<h4 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">6. Stay Informed<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Stay updated on insights related to psychological and physical abuse. The more you know, the better equipped you are to offer meaningful assistance.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Educate yourself on local resources available for abuse victims, from shelters to counseling services, and share this information with them.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">It\u2019s important to verify, on at least a quarterly basis, that your referrals are continuing to provide the services they have in the past. As a people helper, you don\u2019t want to make a referral to a victim only to learn they are no longer providing the same services. This quarterly vetting process is something responders can take responsibility for, rather than providing the victim with inadequate referrals.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 400 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Additional Support<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Free Monthly Workshops<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">MEND<\/strong> is committed to outreach by providing <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">free monthly web-based workshops<\/strong> that provide <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">clarity<\/strong> y <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">healing strategies<\/strong> for victims of abuse and their supporters. You can get notified about these events and <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">watch previous trainings for free<\/strong> here:<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\"><span style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">These courses are for licensed mental health professionals whether or not you specialize in treating those who abuse or have been abused by a partner.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Oftentimes, abuse can be the root cause for emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and PTSD or complex PTSD \u2013 particularly for those who have experienced childhood trauma, and a variety of other symptoms clients might want your help resolving.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">If they don\u2019t identify the abuse, they need you to help them uncover it as the primary root of the issues they face.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">In co-sponsorship with the <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma<\/strong>, The MEND Project offers accredited continuing education units through the <strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">American Psychological Association<\/strong>. Our course is a comprehensive training that will better equip you to interface with your clients.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left; font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\">Thank you for joining us in courageously standing in the gap for victims. Your role is vital in reducing abuse in your community. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 300 !important;\"><strong style=\"font-family: DINPro, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif !important; font-weight: 500 !important;\">The MEND Team<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Help Someone&nbsp;Who Is Being Abused It can be hard to know how to help someone who is being abused. It can be equally as hard to identify that the root of the problems in a challenging relationship are because one partner is engaging in hidden forms of emotional abuse. Many who experience covert [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","tve_updated_post":"","tve_custom_css":"","tve_user_custom_css":"","tve_globals":{},"tcb2_ready":1,"tcb_editor_enabled":1,"tve_landing_page":"a2b45a063facdc23177734c5eedce762","_tve_header":"6983","_tve_footer":"8879"},"class_list":["post-6818","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","post-wrapper","thrv_wrapper"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Help Someone Being Abused: MEND Project<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here you will find tools, resources, and guides to learn how to help someone who is being abused.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_ES\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Help Someone Being Abused: MEND Project\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Here you will find tools, resources, and guides to learn how to help someone who is being abused.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Mend Project\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/themendproject\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-12T22:01:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@TheM3NDProject\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Tiempo de lectura\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"29 minutos\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Help Someone Being Abused: MEND Project\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-03-04T20:03:10+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-12T22:01:32+00:00\",\"description\":\"Here you will find tools, resources, and guides to learn how to help someone who is being abused.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Help Someone Who Is Being Abused\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Mend Project\",\"description\":\"Our vision is to end Double Abuse\u00ae\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"es\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"The M3ND Project\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"es\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/09\\\/mendlogo.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2016\\\/09\\\/mendlogo.jpg\",\"width\":400,\"height\":120,\"caption\":\"The M3ND Project\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/staging.themendproject.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/themendproject\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/TheM3NDProject\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/themendproject\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/the-mend-project\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pinterest.com\\\/themendproject\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCV-lng7XKzGomtYw3tpBHBQ\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Help Someone Being Abused: MEND Project","description":"Here you will find tools, resources, and guides to learn how to help someone who is being abused.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"es_ES","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Help Someone Being Abused: MEND Project","og_description":"Here you will find tools, resources, and guides to learn how to help someone who is being abused.","og_url":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/","og_site_name":"The Mend Project","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/themendproject\/","article_modified_time":"2026-01-12T22:01:32+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@TheM3NDProject","twitter_misc":{"Tiempo de lectura":"29 minutos"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/","url":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/","name":"How to Help Someone Being Abused: MEND Project","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp","datePublished":"2024-03-04T20:03:10+00:00","dateModified":"2026-01-12T22:01:32+00:00","description":"Here you will find tools, resources, and guides to learn how to help someone who is being abused.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"es","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/hidden-form-abuse.jpg.webp"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/how-to-help-someone-being-abused\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Help Someone Who Is Being Abused"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/","name":"The Mend Project","description":"Our vision is to end Double Abuse\u00ae","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"es"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/#organization","name":"The M3ND Project","url":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"es","@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/mendlogo.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/mendlogo.jpg","width":400,"height":120,"caption":"The M3ND Project"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/themendproject\/","https:\/\/x.com\/TheM3NDProject","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themendproject\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-mend-project\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/themendproject\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCV-lng7XKzGomtYw3tpBHBQ"]}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6818"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6818\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12318,"href":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6818\/revisions\/12318"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.themendproject.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}