Only you can decide what it is that you have been through or are going through, and what that means to you. We have people that you can chat with to help work through any concerns you may have. All concerns are valid.
Physical abuse is often the easiest form of abuse to identify for ourselves. When someone hits or threatens you and/or those around you with violence, this is physical abuse. This can happen to males at any age from anyone and can be preceded by emotional/mental abuse.
Emotional/Mental abuse is far easier to brush aside or be confused about. If spending time with someone significant leaves you feeling worthless, isolated and/or depressed, this may be a sign of emotional/mental abuse. People sometimes describe it as feeling like “…walking on eggshells”.
Sexual Abuse of children in New Zealand is prevalent, 1 in 6 boys under the age of 16 are sexually abused. The impacts of sexual abuse may become serious and lifelong; negatively affecting self, families, others and day-to-day life. Sexual abuse can often be about power rather than sexual attraction.
For more in-depth definitions and descriptions consider following these links:
Abusive relationships can occur to anyone at anytime in their lives and can cost us our happiness, goals and dreams.