Be Aware of Your Rights
Knowing you have rights is a major survival strategy toward freedom from emotional abuse. Everyone is entitled to the same fundamental human rights. You have the right to protect your self-esteem and guard your own safety.

Get in Touch With Your Pain
You can't heal your wounds if you don't get in touch with the pain those wounds have caused. Use your pain to connect with your feelings, but remember to examine your feelings without being dominated by them.

Shift From Being a Victim to Being a Survivor
Move beyond victimization. Take responsibility for where you are and the changes you want. Being wounded does not excuse you from taking responsibility.

Refuse to Accept the Abuse
Make up your mind that you will no longer tolerate abusive behavior. Become convinced that compliance will only reinforce it. Do not delude yourself into believing that things will get better.

Join a Support Group
A support group is a great resource to help you sort out your feelings and identify solutions. A group combines the successful experiences of others and provides the tools for you to learn to take care of yourself.

Turn to Spiritual Resources
Spirituality is critical to the healing process. Deepen your spiritual understanding through the knowledge of your higher power. Find strength through meditating and reflecting on the meaning of abuse.

Acknowledge Abusive Behavior
Breaking through the denial is an important first step. Admitting that you are being abused takes courage, but it is the only way to stop the abuse and gain the relationship you desire.

Develop a Plan for Confronting Your Abuser
EVENTUALLY, when you are safe and strong enough, deal directly with the abuser. Create an action plan with a counselor who understands emotional abuse.

THERE IS NEVER A WRONG TIME TO DO THE RIGHT THING!