Understanding the Impact of Intimate Violence on Survivors: Healing from Betrayal Trauma and Reclaiming Perceptions

Exploring the Devastating Consequences of Abuse and the Path to Recovery for Survivors.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

Intimate violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in nine men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner.

The impact of intimate violence on survivors is profound and can manifest in various ways, including self-blame, shame, and disconnection from oneself and others. In addition, survivors often struggle with rebuilding their trust in themselves and their perceptions of the world.

Abusive tactics, such as gaslighting and DAVRO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim, and Offender), can exacerbate survivors’ trauma and undermine their sense of self. Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse in which an abuser manipulates the victim into questioning their reality and perception of events.

DAVRO is a tactic used to deflect responsibility and blame onto the victim, often resulting in further harm and confusion. These tactics are insidious because they can cause survivors to doubt their own memories and…