How to tell your circle you have been abused- Episode #37

How you can start talking about abuse to your close circle of family and friends? Having a public conversation about abuse 'can' happen but please consider the place you are at and who is around you. Discussing adult experiencing or using adult words may 'not' be appropriate in front of or around kids. If you do have wee ones around consider toning it down by using words that may not be graphic. Such as, instead of giving details of rape say that there was an assault. Details for all of these things can be given in a more intimate setting.

Behind closed doors and if both of you are comfortable use whatever descriptions you want but in either scenario as for permission. Don't be surprised if the person you are talking to deny the abuse. Give information that does not overwhelm but educates enough that they may let them think about what you said later.

Talk about the signs of abuse- Physical, Financial, Sexual, or Mental. Give a brief description. If you have numbers for services your friend can use please share or offer to help further.

Remind your friend that you do love them and believe them. Give reassurance that it is between the two of you.

If your friend is not ready to hear you about this topic or doesn't leave right away. Don't take this to heart! The decision to leave is hard and not taken lightly. Ask a few weeks or a month later about how she or he is feeling but don't make them feel bad about continuing to stay.

I'm proud of you whoever you are! If you need more help, tips, or suggestions please feel free to drop me a message.

Someone out there needs to know they are not alone and that they can survive. Perhaps you are a parent or friend of someone trapped in an abusive relationship and need to know how to help. Message me privately for support or help. My goal is to share awareness, offer empowerment, and educate others about emotional traumas and domestic abuse.

This is the first of many episodes to come where I will share my story but also stories of courage and healing from Survivors, Coaches, to Therapists/Counselors.

You can find my books and my Journals here- https://www.amazon.com/Melinda-Kunst/e/B0788SWSB1

Find me on Facebook here- www.facebook.com/hopewhentherewasnone

Find help and info here-

https://www.thehotline.org/

https://www.domesticshelters.org/

https://internationalwomenshouse.org/get-help

https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations

Sexual Assault Hotline- https://www.rainn.org/

National Suicide Prevention lifeline-800-273-8255