Leaving a troubled relationship is never easy. There are many things that tie us to a particular partner, and domestic abuse is contrarily one of the hardest things to walk away from. If you have made the brave step to protect yourself and leave, congratulations. You have taken a vital first step to recovering your life and healing. The road will be long, but it is one worth your energy and investment. Here are some ways you can heal after domestic violence trauma.
Look into Therapy
Therapy may seem daunting at first, but over time you might just start to love the safe space it offers. Speaking with a professional about your painful experiences is one of the greatest ways to find a path to feeling better or finding understanding about what you’ve been through. While it won’t right the wrongs that have happened, it can bring you a sense of inner peace and offer some expert insight about why you may have been in that position, to begin with. Therapy is one of the most recommended ways to start your healing journey.
Seek Compensation
One step you might want to take when you feel like the time is right is to seek compensation for the emotional and physical damage the relationship caused you. You will need to hire a specialist domestic violence attorney so that your case is represented to the best extent. Sometimes, holding those accountable for what they put you through is a great way to find some form of peace.
Talk to Your Loved Ones
Talking to people about the relationship you’ve just left might feel like a million worlds away from something you want to do. However, when you start the conversation you will find there is so much understanding and compassion heading your way that you won’t want to stop talking. Reconnecting with people is never going to be easy, but it is necessary for putting the pieces of your life back together.
Stick to Your New Boundaries
Leaving the relationship is one thing but sticking with that newfound boundary is another demand entirely. It is going to be tough, there’s little point denying it. However, boundaries are never set without a just cause and this is arguably one of the justest causes of all time. You deserve to see this through and it is easier to do once you recognize all the abusive tactics that may have held you hostage previously like gaslighting, and coercive control.
Get to Know Yourself Again
This bit will take some time. Getting to know yourself again can look like many different things. You might try to reconnect with old hobbies and interests, or slowly start to rebuild your social circle. Spend some time alone with your thoughts or consider writing everything down so you can work through everything that brought you to this moment. You are in there, and it’s your biggest priority to bring your authentic self back to the table.
Prioritize your self care, and think only of the future. There are ways to move forward after you’ve suffered through domestic violence, and you will always be at the center of that. Find solace in your loved ones and keep your boundaries firm.
