An experience that is not usually represented in sexual assault or sexual violence statistics is the experience of sexual coercion. However, coercive sexual experiences are a type of sexual assault and sexual violence and can cause similar trauma related symptoms. Many women who have coercive sexual experiences struggle with how to label or name what has happened to them. Review the checklist … [Read more...] about Coercive Sexual Experiences
Abusive Relationships
Surviving the Narcissist: What to do When the Abuser Cries Abuse
A frightening story I hear over and over is that of a narcissistic ex-partner abusing the legal system to abuse and bully their former partner. The narcissist will claim their former partner was or is abusive to him/herself and/or their pets or children. This form of abuse is costly to the victim, as the victim needs to hire a lawyer to defend themselves and may miss time away from work to deal … [Read more...] about Surviving the Narcissist: What to do When the Abuser Cries Abuse
Are you in love with a Narcissist?
Do you feel completely enamored with your partner? Maybe even lucky to be chosen by this charismatic, witty, and externally confident person? Do you also have days where you have just nothing left, feeling completely picked apart by your partner? Do you feel like the person you’re in love with is behaving like a toddler? Do you sometimes feel like your entire life is revolving around your … [Read more...] about Are you in love with a Narcissist?
10 Signs Your Loved One May Be Struggling with Opiate Addiction
Opiate addiction has become an epidemic in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and estimated 2.1 million people in the United States are addicted to prescription opioid painkillers and an estimated 467,000 addicted to heroin. For more information please … [Read more...] about 10 Signs Your Loved One May Be Struggling with Opiate Addiction
What is “Gaslighting”?
“Gaslighting” is a type of emotional abuse. The term comes from the play (1938) and then later the movie Gaslight (1944) in which a husband slowly begins to convince his wife and others that she is crazy. Gaslighting happens slowly over time leaving the victim feeling confused, anxious, depressed and often isolated. Listed below are 7 red flags that may indicate that you are being gaslighted by … [Read more...] about What is “Gaslighting”?
9 Signs Your Partner is a Narcissist
Narcissistic personality disorder is marked by an individual’s belief they are superior to others, an exaggerated sense of one’s accomplishments and need to be well liked by others. Those traits are usually easy to see. In a relationship however, narcissistic traits can sometimes be hard to identify. Here are a few signs that your partner may be a narcissist: 1. They put you on a pedestal: Don’t … [Read more...] about 9 Signs Your Partner is a Narcissist