Abuse

Understanding Abuse

Abuse is any pattern of behavior used to gain power or control over another person — physically, emotionally, verbally, sexually, or psychologically. It can happen in any relationship: family, romantic, friendship, workplace, or even within institutions or systems. Abuse is never the victim’s fault.

Many people who experience abuse feel confused, isolated, or unsure if what they went through “counts.” But if something made you feel afraid, degraded, unsafe, or powerless — your experience matters, and it is valid.

Abuse often leaves lasting emotional scars, even when the visible wounds are gone. But healing is possible — and you don’t have to walk that journey alone.

How Abuse Might Feel Internally

Abuse can deeply affect the way someone thinks, feels, and relates to the world. Survivors often experience:

Fear, shame, or self-blame
Anxiety, hypervigilance, or feeling “on edge”
Trouble trusting others or themselves
Depression, numbness, or emotional detachment
Difficulty making decisions or feeling “frozen”
Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
Low self-esteem or loss of identity
A deep sense of worthlessness or helplessness
Confusion about what’s normal or healthy in relationships

What Abuse Might Look Like to Others

Abuse often happens behind closed doors, but there are outward signs that someone might be experiencing or healing from it:

Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities
Sudden mood changes, irritability, or emotional outbursts
Appearing fearful, anxious, or overly apologetic
Avoiding certain people, places, or topics
Seeming overly dependent on or fearful of a partner
Difficulty concentrating or missing work/school
Signs of physical injuries with inconsistent explanations
Subtle mentions of being "controlled," “monitored,” or “walking on eggshells”

Types of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms — and all are harmful. Here is a broad overview:

Physical Abuse – Hitting, pushing, slapping, or using force to cause harm
Emotional or Psychological Abuse – Manipulation, threats, gaslighting, isolation, humiliation
Verbal Abuse – Yelling, name-calling, blaming, or using words to intimidate or belittle
Sexual Abuse – Any non-consensual sexual act, coercion, or violation
Financial Abuse – Controlling money, limiting access to resources, or exploiting finances
Spiritual or Cultural Abuse – Using faith, traditions, or identity to control, shame, or silence
Neglect – Failing to meet basic emotional or physical needs, especially in caregiving or childhood
Digital/Technological Abuse – Monitoring texts, tracking devices, online harassment, or controlling technology use
Systemic Abuse – Oppression or mistreatment through institutions, policies, or societal structures

There Is Hope After Abuse

Leaving an abusive situation or healing from past abuse is never easy — it takes strength, support, and time. At Evergreen Hope, we provide a safe, trauma-informed space for survivors to process what they’ve experienced, reconnect with their voice, and begin to rebuild trust in themselves and others.

Therapy can help you:

Identify and name abusive patterns
Rebuild a sense of safety and control
Process trauma and emotional pain
Strengthen boundaries and self-worth
Heal from shame, guilt, and confusion
Reclaim your identity, your voice, and your future