Victim or Survivor?

A victim or a survivor? This is really a question you need to explore and answer for yourself. If someone is abused so much, and the perpetrator knows it is safe for them to do so with no fear of consequences, then that person is victimised. If however someone leaves an abusive relationship they may consider themselves a survivor having come out of it.

I believe we need to feel validated, to have someone acknowledge what has happened, even if it’s just for the sake of feeling sane. When we don’t get that we can feel so devalued. The third option however is neither a victim nor a survivor but a witness. I often feel this is quite empowering to acknowledge your own stuff. I don’t need you to validate me i was there, I saw it, I experienced it, I witnessed it.

How you choose to identify yourself can be in itself self-empowering. Being aware that any form of abuse is really a kind of power struggle on the part of the perpetrator has helped many people identify themselves more positively. As you are the expert on your own experience you have the authority to describe yourself as you feel most comfortable.

If you would like further information on abuse or counselling for abuse then contact Sentient Counselling in Belfast.

#victimsurvivor

Tags: abuse, counselling, trauma