The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Anyone can be abused.The vicious cycle of abuse doesn't discriminate.Someone of any race,religion,age,male or female, lower,middle or upper class,can be a victim of abuse.Just as anyone can be a victim,anyone can be the abuser.A mother,a father,a sibling,another family member,a neighbour,a member of clergy,a lawyer,a doctor,a teacher, a stranger,a trusted friend.It doesn't matter who,It can be anyone.

There are so many different forms of abuse,for example,Child Abuse,Physical Abuse,Emotional Abuse, and Sexual Abuse. Sometimes all forms of abuse are occuring,while in other cases,it is one or two. Either way,it's too much,and happens too often.Sometimes the victim makes a plea for help,tries to stop it,tells someone,but in many cases they are too frightened,or don't know any other way of life,and think that it's "normal", and in other cases,lives in denial that it is happening to them or to someone that they know.So many people don't want to admit that it can happen in their family,or to someone in their neightbourhood, that they close their eyes to it,and try to pretend that it is not occuring.But,by closing your eyes to this horrendous crime,you're not doing anything but allowing it to continue, it's destrauctive,harmful pattern.

A woman constantly put down by her husband, told that her thoughts and feelings don't matter,who has her rights limited,her friendships "monitered" by her spouse,is being emotionally abused.A child who is hit,beaten and belittled,is being abused.A woman forced by her partner,or a male forced by his partner,to perform sexual activities that they don't like or feel uncomfortable with,or don't want to participate in,is being sexually abused.

Abuse doesn't always leave visable marks or bruises,but the emotional scarring can last for years,quite often for the rest of the victims life.

Why do people live in denial?Try to pretend it's not really happening? There are no easy answers to this question.

A loving mother,who cares for her child,is told that daddy is touching their six year old daughter in inappropiate ways,tells her child that she is wrong,mistaken or lying for attention.Why?It's not because she doesn't love her child,it's that she doesn't want to believe that her husband,a man she loves and trusts is capable of such a hideous act against their own flesh and blood.So she closes her eyes,and tries to convince herself that her daughter is making it up for attention.

A eight year old boy comes to school,is withdrawn, beligerent, with constant bruises.The teacher sees this,but the child's parents are "professionals" and Pillars of the community,therefore,it can not be abuse. So they try to write it off with another explanation,such as the child is anti social,has some kind of disability, is rude or clumsy.

A housewife,whose husband is a prominent figure in the community,is constantly in the ER for "falls" and "accidents", yet because of his position in society,it can't be abuse.

Time and time again,what should be obvious,is ignored,denied, because people don't want to believe that someone they know,or an upstanding citizen can be capable of being abusive.

The examples that I can give are endless,and heartbreaking. Yet so many people still continue to close their eyes and deny that it exists. So many people turn the other way,try to brush it off as something else,something more acceptable,instead of recognizing it for what it is and doing something to put a stop to it.

If you suspect someone is being abused,talk to them, or if it's a child,call the proper authorities,get them out of that situation before it is too late.

If you are being abused,remember that it is NOT your fault,and that you are not alone.There are so many others like you,in the same situation,or who were in the same situation,who can help you get away,and go somewhere safe.There are places that you can go,to get help and to put an end to it.People who care.

Just remember one thing... when you are talking to someone that you suspect is being abused,or you know is being abused.Be patient with them.Give them time to build enough trust to confide in you.Don't push them.Listen to them,but don't judge them.Don't tell them or hint in any way that you think that it is their fault or that they did something to deserve it. Because,no matter what,it is NEVER the victims fault,no matter what the circumstances. Encourage them to get help.To seek safety. But if they aren't ready,continue to be there for them,supporting them as best as you can,and being as good of a friend as you can be.But the best thing that you can do in this situation,is to listen and be supportive.