Domestic Violence?

Question

Please answer only if you were or know someone that has been a Victim of DV. If you would had attended a DV support group do you believe your self-esteem could have gone up?

Answer 1

Depends! Some do the support group thing because Intimate one on one analyzation may seem more effective as well as private! If you feel more comfortable sharing your experience with others (knowing that you are not alone) then group therapy may be the thing for you! I personally saw one specific person solo everytime i needed to vent... That way we could overlook all my flaws, fears, insecurites, etc and focus on them one at a time! It feels more hands on in my opinion to work it out... Just you and the professional then it does as a whole group! Everyone is different and being able to share your experience with others may be the key to helping you cope with your former situation! No one deserves to be a victim of DV... Its not your fault that you were on the receiving end.... Remember that! People that abuse often follow patterns that were placed upon themselves in their lifetimes (and they as well need to seek treatment for their own reasons)! Hang tight and go with what makes you comfortable! DV can be rated on many different levels... Its not only physically demeaning but emotionally as well! Time, Patience, and Love for yourself will get you through this episode!

Answer 2

One of the facets of domestic violence is the isolation the victim, feels and the shame and withdrawal from social situations. By attending a support group the victims are able to establish themselves as part of a group. The realize that they are no longer alone and with other victims they are able to work towards empowering each other. Everyday life events are discussed and the fact the maybe one person in the group has obtained a sense of self will help others in the group be able to visualize themselves at that point as well.
This is a good form of therapy for those who have been in domestic abuse situations, it helps them to talk about the repercussions of the violence and how it effects decision making, boundaries, and how their children are coping and ways to help with dealing with the aftermath.

Answer 3

Everyone can take the support on differently... Some women's self esteems are risen incredibly by support groups because they are no longer victims of domestic violence but survivors and proud of it!. With others talking about it and admitting that they are victims really does a number on there self esteem but with regular attendance to support groups.. in the end they too have higher self-esteems.

Answer 4

I was the victim of repeated abuse in my early 20s. In later years, at about age 35, I volunteered to lead a group of domestic abuse victims. I discovered to my shock that I was still carrying around much of that old cr**** baggage.

We offered support, legal advice, resource referrals, and midnight runs to the women's shelter. I learned much more than I ever had by keeping my head in the sand. And I re-gained much of my self-respect and began to more forward with my life.