Experiencing abuse is terrible. There is no way to sugarcoat it. It just is. If you find yourself in that situation, whether it occurred in the past or you are experiencing it now, there are things you can do to move forward. You will find more information below.
Understand the Laws Surrounding Reporting and Pursuing Justice
The first thing to understand regarding reporting abuse is that you should always make a report as soon as possible. However, there are so many reasons why this does not always happen, and it is not the victim’s fault. Sometimes, trauma and fear inform what a victim does in the aftermath of abuse, and they wait to make a report.
Every state has different laws regarding the statute of limitations on child abuse. This is important to understand since there is no federal law regarding an applicable and comprehensive statute of limitations on child abuse. This can sometimes lead to confusion and misunderstandings regarding what a victim can and cannot do. This is why it is crucial to work with an experienced law office that has a comprehensive understanding of child abuse laws, as they can provide the best guidance to clients and their families on the next steps and offer support throughout the process.
Take Care of All Aspects of Your Health
Many victims tend to back away from basic healthcare needs. Everything from physical to emotional health gets tucked away and avoided because they might not want to reveal the abuse, or they are uncomfortable with a medical appointment based on their abuse experience.
Even with that feeling, if you or your loved one who has experienced abuse has routine medical care coming up, it is important to keep those appointments. Annual well checks, routine bloodwork, eye exams, dental care, and vaccinations are still necessary to maintain good health despite or because of the abuse. An advocate, if available, can help provide comfort and guidance on navigating the healthcare system to ensure a victim’s needs are met.
Talk Through Your Feelings
Even if you do not feel comfortable talking with your significant other, parent, partner, sibling, friend, or anyone close to you about what you have experienced, please understand that you have other outlets available to you. You can still talk with trusted sources. The important thing is to find someone to talk with.
A licensed professional is an excellent resource to seek out. They are trained in the delicate nuances of talking with an abuse victim. One of the important components in their training revolves around balancing care and conversations so as not to re-victimize anyone. You have options when it comes to finding a counselor or therapist. You can go through your insurance company, reach out to a professional at your school if you are a student, or find a resource here.
The world can be a lot, to say the least. Abuse victims are forced to deal with whatever is going on in the world around them, in addition to their own experiences. It is important to understand victim rights while also caring for your mental health and communicating with others to help the healing process.
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