Abused Women

Abused Women

Feelings of Abused Women

Introduction

Domestic violence and abuse can occur to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, or denied. This is especially true when the misuse is psychological, rather than physical. Emotional abuse is often minimized, yet it can leave deep and lasting scars.

Discussion and Analysis

A woman who has been abused over a period of time of time is afraid. Not only is she worried that she, herself, will be seriously hurt, but if she has young kids, she worries about their safety also. Her feelings of worry link her to all other women, from all classes, in similar situations. Fear might be a woman's first and most immediate feeling during or after facing violence, but other negative feelings may occur when she is not in physical danger. The misused woman is apt t develop concerns about herself. She might wonder if she is supported in fearing for her life and calling herself an “abused wife.” Most likely, although, a woman who conceives or feels she is being misused, likely is (Groves, 2003). Or, she may feel guilt, even though she has done nothing wrong. An abused wife may find herself responsible for her husband's violence because in some way she may have provoked him. This has her placing the disgrace and accuse on herself--instead of her abuser. The longer she puts up with the misuse and does not anything to avoid or prevent it, the less she likes herself. Along with the feeling of being a failure, both as a woman and in her marriage, may come a real feeling of being trapped and powerless, with no way out(Groves, 2003).

The following is a list of feelings abused women typically experience. Not all will have such sentiments, and many such feelings aren't listed.

Loss of Control, Helplessness. Feeling at the mercy of someone mood swings and outbreaks of temper is a very frightening way to live one's life, and can lead to a feeling of having no command over one's life. In one study, it was found that victims said that most of the attacks were unwarranted and totally unexpected. Some were even attacked and beaten while sleeping. Efforts at seeking help often prove to be dead-ends for number of women -- again leading to helplessness.

Tremendous fear and/or emotional paralysis may result, so that the abused woman feels passive and experiences all that happens around her as being done to her. It is important that the abused woman gets back in control of the situation, such as by learning to identify her feelings, and seeking whatever medical, legal, and social service attention she needs to get back in control of her situation.

Fear. Living in an abusive relationship is scary, but leaving an abusive relation in favor of the unknown can seem even worse. It is important that abused women have the information and support necessary to realistically assess the danger level of their situation, what they can do to protect themselves and what resources are available to them if they ...