By: N.M. Bialko I was in an emotionally abusive relationship with a narcissist. Our relationship consisted of lies. There were lies about his past, lies to set up new lies, lies about other people, and lies about himself. He told lies where there was no need to lie and even opportunities where no normal human would even think to lie. Some of what I had learned made me physically sick, and even though he should be the one filled with shame (and likely isn’t), I was the one left feeling foolish because I knew all along he was a “liar...
Stop Asian Hate
By: Rashmi Negi Hate crimes against the Asian American community are not new, but the COVID-19 pandemic escalated growing tensions, further triggering hate. It can be easy to want to blame someone for everything that has happened since 2020, but that blame cannot be placed entirely on one person or group of people. Such terms as “Kung Flu and Chinese Flu” direct blame for the pandemic onto any person of perceived Asian descent. There was a sharp rise in harassment and violent cases against Asians after widespread misinformation and other stereotypes. One cannot deny the systemic racism that could also...
Signs Of Spousal Abuse
By: Rashmi Negi Spousal Abuse is also known as Domestic Violence and is perpetrated by one of the partners in an intimate relationship. It can consist of Physical, Sexual, Emotional, and/or Financial Abuse. Spousal Abuse is harmful as the abuser uses hurtful words or behaviors to control their spouse. Look Out for These SignsIf you know someone and are unsure if they are the victim of Domestic Violence, here are some signs to help you identify Spousal Abuse. The Individual:1. Cannot or refuses to explain any marks, scars, or bruises on their body2. Avoids family, friends, and acquaintances3. Is not...
Share Your Story
By: Nicole Bialko As team members and subscribers of Abuse Refuge Org (ARO), we understand the importance of educating and protecting others from abuse. We know that abuse takes on many forms and is an isolating and often shameful experience. We have found ways to rise above the pain and move forward and are committed to helping others through ARO. Each of us has a story. Our stories can help others. My story: I was in a toxic relationship with a love bombing narcissist (likely a sociopath). I had re-entered the dating world a bit naive following my divorce and...
Shifts In Cultural Attitudes Towards Domestic Violence Through The Last Century
By: Whitney Derman Although it’s been a century since the women’s suffrage movement gave women the privilege to vote in the USA, it was not until the 1970s that women’s rights activists made some headway with combating domestic violence. In the 1960s, literature on Spousal Abuse towards women was virtually non-existent. The only sources that talked about it blamed the wives for provoking their husbands or mental illness. It was agreed at the time that Domestic Abuse was rare, but when it did happen, it was the woman’s fault (Library of Science and Medicine, 2015). Unfortunately, Domestic Violence and Abuse...
Elder Abuse
By: Rashmi Negi Elder Abuse is an act that causes harm to people ages 60 and above. It can include Physical, Emotional, Psychological, Financial, or Sexual Abuse and neglect. The abuse can be caused by spouses, family members, caregivers, nursing homes, living shelters, or a person the elder trusts. Elder abuse is one of the most common problems existing in our society. One in every ten older adults has experienced some form of abuse (Elder Abuse, 2021). Forms of Elder Abuse Physical Abuse: The intent to physically harm by hitting, pushing, or slapping and causing pain, injury, or physical illness to...
Grieving The Loss Of An Abuser
By: Cali Robins The feeling of loss or grief is an intimate emotion to have. Often, people grieve the loss of people in their lives, immediate family members, and loved ones. What happens when one finds themselves grieving for someone who abused them? It’s a complicated subject to tackle, and it can make the abused person feel untethered from the progress they have made. How can the loss of someone who mistreated you make you feel so sad? This mixture of emotions is okay, and it’s pertinent to face it head-on. There is no sweeping it under the rug, and...
Celebrity Abuse: Free Britney Spears
By: Whitney Derman Many child-stars have sued their parents for using them for money, stealing it for themselves, and using their minor status against them. However, what happens when an adult is stripped of their earnings and denied any personal freedoms? This is precisely what has been happening to Britney Spears for the past 13 years. Deeming her mentally insane and unable to make her own choices, Spears was under a permanent conservatorship controlled by her father in late 2008 following a public mental breakdown (Picheta, 2021). Under the conservatorship, she is required to perform and tour without her consent...
The Effects Of Bullying In The Workplace And At School
By: Mandie Schreck We have all heard or experienced some form of bullying on the playground at recess or in the hallways of our high school. We think maybe bullying and taunting will subside as we grow into adulthood, but bullies often follow us into the workforce. The major difference between bullying in schools and the workplace is that in schools, it is more ingrained and put into legal policy and legislation than workplace bullying (Badzmierowski, 2015). Schools typically have policies against bullying and will take action when offenses are made. Workplaces, however, may not do anything about bullying until Human Resources...
Spiritual Abuse In The Mind And In The Church
By: Mandie Schreck Gathering with those who hold like-minded spiritual beliefs is supposed to be a safe haven to worship with your loved ones, community, and congregation. For many years, abuse in the church has been a sensitive topic and gained even more momentum with the “Me Too” movement that has helped individuals come forward with their stories. To illustrate this, “the number of allegations of Catholic clergy sex abuse of minors more than quadrupled in 2019 compared to the average in the previous five years,”(Boorstein, 2020). Sexual Abuse and misconduct in the church are as prevalent as they were...