Episode Details

The nature of psychological and emotional abuse leaves many victims unsure, asking how do I know if it’s abuse?

To discover if you’re emotionally abused, take this free emotional abuse quiz.

Lorelai, a member of the Betrayal Trauma Recovery community, joins Anne on the free BTR podcast to share her powerful story of escaping her husband’s sexual abuse, constant manipulation and gaslighting. Through the fog of abuse, she was able to use empowering tools to identify the abuse and set safety boundaries to begin her journey to healing.

How Do I Know If It’s Abuse: It Doesn’t Have To Be Physical Battering To Qualify As Abuse

Often, victims question the reality of their abusive relationship because they haven’t been punched in the face or put in the hospital. Physical battering is absolutely abuse – but it isn’t the only kind of abuse.

Other forms of abuse include:

• Gaslighting
• Manipulation
• Betrayal (including secret pornography use)
• Sexual coercion
• Marital rape
• Covert physical harm
• Threats
• Financial domineering
• Spiritual domineering

How Can I Learn More About Abuse?

Victims become empowered to identify the abuse and create healthy boundaries in marriage as they become educated about abuse. Some of the most helpful resources we recommend include:

• Anne Blythe’s books about betrayal trauma
• Listen to The FREE betrayal trauma podcast

Visit our books page for a list of curated books that we recommend to victims.

How Do I Know If It’s Abuse: If You’re Here, Trust Yourself

Victims of psychological abuse often experience so much gaslighting, that discerning reality can feel nearly impossible. If you are here, we encourage you to trust yourself. Seek support, empowerment, and education, but trust your instincts. If you feel abused, you probably are. Take appropriate steps to protect yourself, and set safety boundaries to separate yourself from abusive behavior.

Join our online betrayal trauma support group is here for you as you begin your healing journey. Join today.

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