Getting Free From Abuse
A Guide for Women with Disabilities
How is Abuse Affecting Me?
All forms of abuse can affect how you feel about yourself. Your children can also be affected.
In some cases, abuse can cause an injury or a disability, or it can contribute to the impact of a disability (read Anj's story or Katerina's Story for more about this).
If you have been in an abusive relationship you may feel:
- afraid to tell anyone
- worried that it's your fault
- depressed and alone
- confused
- afraid of having no one to help you if you leave the relationship
- afraid that no one will believe you
- afraid of losing your children
- afraid you will be placed in an residential accommodation service .
It’s understandable to feel afraid, worried and confused.
** If you have been abused, how has it affected you – your feelings, your relationships, your life? How might it be affecting your children?
Read here for ideas on what you can do about abuse and how you can protect yourself.
Feeling better about yourself
If someone is treating you badly, it can wear down your confidence. You might start to think you deserve abuse or that you are a bad person. But remember, they are the one who has done something wrong, not you.
And even though your disability may mean you do things differently or communicate differently to other people, you still have the same rights as anyone else.
As one woman said: ‘You need to put new positive stuff in your head because the abuse is so negative – you need to get good stuff in your life’….read more from ‘My journey’
It can help to think about:
- What are some good qualities I have?
- What are some things I am proud of?
- What are some things I have achieved in my life?
- What do I want from my life?
- What do I want to do in the future?
READ MORE:
Read advice and messages from other women who have experienced abuse.
